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The kingdom’s painters, sculptors and photographers have donated several of their art pieces to be sold in a special auction aimed at raising funds for a charity helping to find homes for the island’s stray and abandoned pets.
The Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) is staging its second charity art auction, called Art to the Rescue, on May 6, in the gardens of the British Embassy.
The shelter’s fundraising coordinator and event manager, Michelle Page, hopes this event will be even more successful than the last. She said: “This year, we are targeting art enthusiasts who happen to love animals rather than animal lovers who may love art!
“We hope to raise BD5,000 for our shelter based in Askar as well as raise awareness on the important role that the BSPCA carries out on the island.
“Each event we hold brings much-needed funds for special projects that we often have to put on hold due to lack of resources.
“We currently need to renovate and increase volume to our Purina cat house and also erect roofing to shade the remainder of our dog runs. For the readers of this article, I would ask that you please buy a ticket, have a great night and perhaps you’ll go home with some fantastic artwork!”
The event, which will be launched by British Ambassador Iain Lindsay, will feature a silent auction followed by a live one, boasting the works of Bahrain’s much-loved painters, designers and sculptors including Abbas Al Mousawi, Meriel Cooper, Carie Sauze, Beverly West, Mairi Thomas and others.
For example, Abbas, one of the founding members of the Bahrain Arts Society and an acclaimed painter, has donated a large Arabesque painting entitled The Souk, while designer Nomi Rajan will auction off her exceptional glass artwork.
Poran Al Sharif, who comes from a family of artists, has produced a one-of-a-kind piece featuring a leaf from the love tree in her garden. It takes her around seven months to create such a framed work of art.
Photographer Mairi Thomas, 56, also took part in last year’s auction. She has donated two large framed photographs taken in the village of Al Qal’a near Bahrain Fort capturing the essence of Bahrain. The framed images are of paintings drawn on the village houses which will soon be demolished. They are printed on art paper, which gives them a texture resembling that of the wall on which the images were painted.
Mairi said: “It’s a worthwhile cause to be a part of. I love animals and hate to think of them being mistreated.
“We have a rescue dog, although not from the BSPCA, which was badly treated and it’s the most gentle, sweet-natured animal. We need to promote kindness and prevent or suppress cruelty to animals. As a community it is our responsibility to protect and enhance the welfare of animals.
“Organisations such as the BSPCA need money to continue their work and I’m happy to donate some artwork which hopefully will sell well and raise them much-needed funds.”
The Reunion Band will entertain guests at the event, playing a selection of jazzy numbers. Also joining in the fun will be the popular duo Guy Parker and Mike Keates who will be singing some specially-written lyrics for the BSPCA to the tunes of well-known Welsh hymns and Victorian parlour songs.
The event kicks off at 6.30pm and tickets can be purchased from the British Club, Dilmun Club and the BSPCA Thrift Shop. Tickets are priced at BD10 and will include canapés and refreshments. Attendees must provide their CPR numbers when purchasing the ticket and bring the card to the embassy in Manama to gain entry to the grounds.
For more details, email bspca@batelco.com.bh or contact Michelle on 33121769.
