In a creative initiative to breathe new life into unwanted artworks, a charity event in Noordhoek, Cape Town, has successfully raised over R70,000 for animal welfare. The RePAWposed Tears Art Exhibition and Auction, now in its fourth year, saw all 40 artworks sell for at least R1,000. The event was held at the Noordhoek Art Point Gallery and featured a collection of transformed paintings that were once gathering dust on charity shop shelves.
The idea behind the event was conceived by artist Aimee Kruger, who owns the Noordhoek Art Point Gallery, and her friend Ingrid Altmann, a fellow artist. Altmann had the idea of rescuing unwanted paintings from Tears Animal Rescue charity shops and giving them a creative makeover. The two artists, who are big supporters of Tears, decided to upscale Altmann's discarded-art ventures into a fundraiser four years ago.
Tears Animal Rescue is a charity that takes in abandoned animals from the nearby Masiphumelele township and provides them with dedicated rescue, veterinary care, and rehabilitation work. Kruger, who has two rescue cats from Tears, and Altmann invited other local artists to join in on the initiative, transforming old landscapes, portraits, and other unloved canvases into unique artworks.
The transformation process involved adding playful cartoons, caricatures, and animal-inspired elements to the unwanted paintings. This creative approach turned what would have otherwise been passed over in a charity shop into highly sought-after gallery pieces. The event has become a much-anticipated annual auction, with Kruger stating that they've got quite a few collectors who have a lot of Tears pieces in their homes.
The RePAWposed Tears Art Exhibition and Auction has not only raised significant funds for animal welfare but also given unwanted artworks a second chance at being appreciated. The event has become a staple in the local art community, with people coming together to support a good cause. Kruger mentioned that the event's success is a testament to the power of creativity and community.
The Noordhoek Art Point Gallery, opened by Kruger in 2022, has become a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts. The gallery's involvement in the RePAWposed Tears Art Exhibition and Auction has helped raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and the impact of creative initiatives on the community.
The success of the RePAWposed Tears Art Exhibition and Auction serves as a reminder of the impact that creative initiatives can have on communities. By giving unwanted artworks a second chance, the event has not only raised funds for animal welfare but also brought people together in support of a good cause.
Key points
- The event raised over R70,000 for animal welfare, with all 40 artworks selling for at least R1,000.
