Surfers Tom Butler, Alan and Philly Stokes are amongst the people getting involved in this worthy project.
Artists and stars line up to support Cornwall Mind’s first ever-online art auction – ‘What comes to Mind when you think of Cornwall?’
CORNWALL Mind has been working with John Dyer, one of the county’s best-known artists, to create one of the most exciting and unique art auctions of 2021.
A host of celebrities, including comedian Joe Lycett, pop legend Toyah Willcox and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh MBE, join some of the UK’s foremost contemporary artists in donating more than 100 pieces of artwork in aid of the mental health charity.
The ‘who’s who’ of artists supporting the event includes acclaimed sculptor Tim Shaw RA, abstract artist Anthony Frost, Philip Lyons, Alasdair Lindsay, Emma McClure and Gary Long.
Going live between April 16th and April 25th, 2021, the online auction will raise much-needed funds for Cornwall Mind’s vital work supporting people living in the county who are struggling with their mental health.
The auction theme of “What comes to Mind when you think of Cornwall?’ has led to a wide range of images.
Joe Lycett has donated his portrait of Martin Clunes, singer Kim Wilde has painted a scene from a family surf holiday, while BAFTA winning actress Katherine Parkinson has produced two memorable portraits of HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
Katherine, who starred in the hit TV series The IT Crowd and Doc Martin, was the inspiration behind the auction. She said: ‘I love Cornwall and am so proud to have Cornish DNA, and know that art has a valuable role in mental health.’
Poldark actress Lily Dodsworth-Evans, jumped at the chance to get involved and donated a painting of St Ives harbour, said: “More than ever with the last year spent in lockdown and life on standstill, I’ve found myself relying on art as a way of releasing stress and staying creative.”
Other donors include artist Lucy Davies, ceramicist Paul Jackson, printmaker Lou Tonkin, chef Jack Stein, Fake or Fortune presenter Philip Mould OBE and actor & comedian Kernow King/Edward Rowe.
Opening for bids from Friday April 16th, 2021, the online auction also features stunning photographs, ceramics, collages, a wood carving, printwork and even a first edition yellow striped teapot from design icon Cornishware, hand painted and donated by owner Karina Rickards.
With donations from explorer Robin Hanbury-Tenison, sailor Pete Goss and pro surfer Alan Stokes to actor Bill Ward and singer Molly Hocking, the auction promises to have something for everyone.
Artist John Dyer, whose Falmouth gallery has sponsored the event, said: “I jumped at the idea to support this as there is such a huge need for more mental health support in Cornwall. The pandemic has created not only a physical health emergency but a mental health crisis too. Cornwall Mind is literally a lifeline for people, and I have seen many people I know and love benefit from mental health support.”
All profits raised from the online auction will directly fund Cornwall Mind’s vital mental health wellbeing services in the county, where over one in four people are reported to experience a mental health problem.
The pandemic has caused an unprecedented demand for the charity’s support work, which ensures that people have a place to turn and that nobody should face a mental health problem alone.
Cornwall Mind supports people with mental health difficulties, providing recovery focused services and activities throughout the County. They work with people to support them in achieving their goals and engaging in their local communities. They provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote a better understanding of mental health. Cornwall Mind is an independent charity run by local people, for local people. They are responsible for their own funding and services and are dependent on donations, like yours, to continue vital work in the community.
Cornwall Mind’s CEO, Paul Reeve, said:
“The Art Auction for Cornwall Mind is a fantastic opportunity to challenge the stigma of mental illness and raise the profile of Cornwall and Cornwall Mind. We have been very lucky to have the support of some very generous and talented people from the artistic community and from people who have public profile in other areas. So, dig deep and make your walls and someone else’s world a brighter place.”
Bids can be pledged from April 16-25 by going to:
cornwallmind.auction
Check out all the artwork on Cornwall Mind Art Auction instagram: @cornwallmindartauction
instagram.com/cornwallmindartauction
Or Facebook: facebook.com/cornwallmind
