An art exhibition now underway in Abbotsford is raising money for two organizations.
The exhibition and silent auction, which opened Feb. 4 and runs until Feb. 20, features the work of local artist Jutta Holota, who passed away on Feb. 26, 2016 at the age of 90.
Proceeds will go to the Abbotsford Hospice Society (AHS) and The Reach Gallery Museum.
Jutta was born in Vienna, Austria and then lived in Bavaria before moving to Canada. She painted to preserve the natural splendor of her adopted homeland in the Fraser Valley. She was the founding member of the Abbotsford Palette Club, which formed in 1966 with eight members.
Within 10 years, the club had grown to include more than 80 artists ranging from beginners to near-professionals, and was drawing more than 1,000 visitors to its annual exhibition.
Upon her passing, Jutta’s family offered these works of art to the hospice society. The 40-plus paintings in the exhibition are on display at The Reach Gallery Museum (32388 Veterans Way).
The works can be viewed and bid on during The Reach’s opening hours – Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A closing reception takes place Feb. 20, when successful bidders will be announced. Top bidders do not have to attend the reception to secure a successful bid.
This year, AHS celebrates 32 years of community support and two years since moving into its new facility at Holmberg House on Marshall Road.
Funds from this initiative will allow AHS to continue providing palliative patients in Abbotsford with a wide range of end-of-life services and to provide their families and loved ones with immediate and long-term grief support.
In 2018, The Reach celebrates its 10th anniversary as the centre of cultural and creative innovation in the Fraser Valley. Funds raised in this auction will support art and history exhibitions and programs for all ages.
Those planning to attend the closing reception are asked to register by emailing
MarionKeys@abbotsfordhopsice.org or calling Marion at 604-852-2456.
