For the third year, a group of local artists is painting the city red — for a good cause.
Gloucester's Local Colors Artists' Cooperative will celebrate Valentine's Day with original cards, with all proceeds going to a local charity. What has become an annual community outreach effort has given new meaning to the valentine season for many of the artists in the group.
"What was once a frivolous card holiday to me has become an opportunity to help the community," said Kathy Bucholska, a jewelry designer and mixed media artist. "It's also a chance to give gratitude to not just that significant other as is traditional, but also a chance to show appreciation to a special friend, parent, mentor or even a new acquaintance who has shown kindness. I keep this in mind in designing my cards."
As this yearly effort has evolved, the artists have chosen five of the 400 local nonprofit groups on Cape Ann to be listed on a voting ballot so those who buy cards can select the charity to which they want the money to go. There also is a blank space, so a buyer can write in an organization they would like to see on the ballot.
This year, there is a new organization on the ballot, the Gloucester Fisherman's Wives Association. It's joined by Pathways for Children, Cape Ann Animal Aid Association, Wellspring House and Action Inc.
The organization that receives the most votes will receive all the proceeds from card sales. The customer has the opportunity to cast a vote for each card purchased.
Kate Webster, a fiber and mixed media artist, said customers seem to enjoy having the option to benefit a charity.
Last year, Cape Ann Animal Aid was the favorite and the card sale raised $748 for the organization.
"We all have a lot of fun rising to the occasion," Webster said. "It gives us one more reason to create."
The window display, at the gallery at 121 Main St., in Gloucester, is themed with the idea of "Black and White and Red (read) All Over."
The cards reflect a variety of media— collages, mixed media, photographs and printed cards of original paintings and other work — celebrating the valentine season — all which will be on sale through Feb. 14.
"We get excited about this event," said Bucholska. "We're hoping this year to raise even more interest and raise more money for a local charity."
The creative spirit of the artists is evident in their varied approaches to creating the cards.
Bonnie Gray, a painter, used photographs for some of her cards. One of her favorites is an image of two friends walking across the beach with the twin lighthouses of Thacher Island in the background, which reminded her of the importance of friendship.
Lois Hertzler, a photographer, created a card called "The Dance" which depicts two tulips intertwined. She said it symbolizes the meaningful interaction between friends during this season as well as the interaction between Local Colors and the community. The original photograph is on display in the gallery.
Virginia Townsend, a potter, created a mixed media card showing wool sheep which was inspired by her love of Ireland and her desire to celebrate this Cape Ann event. Inside says "I love Ewe."
Local Colors, now in its 23rd year on Main Street, has 16 artist members. They are Donna Amero, stained glass; Stephanie Bowens, fiber art; Kathy Bucholska: jewelry, mixed media; Pat Doherty, painting; Bonnie Gray, painting; Lois Hertzler, photography; David Katz, photography; Rusty Kinnunen, painting; Bob Kulchuk, pottery, wood turning and fused glass; and Joe Higgins, fish prints.
Also, Ann Schlecht, jewelry including beach pebbles and beach glass; Sally Seamans, tin art, jewelry and mobiles; Jim Sousa, photography; Darren Taylor, woodworking, functional art furniture; Virginia Townsend, pottery, basket weaving and Kate Webster, fiber, paper and mixed media art and jewelry.
For more information, visit www.local-colors.org or call 978-283-3996.
Gail McCarthy can be reached at 978-283-7000 x3445, or at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com.
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