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Photo: Left to right Toby Jaxon, President, VISUALS; Maureen Mackell, Children's Program Manager & Counsellor, HSWC; Wanda Doyle, Artist and Marketing & Publicity Director, VISUALS

ENERGIZED ARTISTS RAISE MONEY FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN

This year, VISUALS, our local Squamish Valley Artists' Society, enthusiastically held a fundraiser at each of their shows in support of women and children. Artist Wanda Doyle, donated this year's fundraiser prize, her hand-finished giclee entitled "A Walk in the Park". The winner, Wendy Gray, was announced at the Adventure Centre at the conclusion of ArtWalk.

The 2007 ArtWalk, an annual Autumn event, was declared a success by both visitors and artists alike, with over 300 people attending the event to view and buy art. Toby Jaxon, VISUALS President beamed "Vital to this year's success was the tremendous support we received from the media. Our signage also drew people who were unaware of our event and our Key to Art which was stamped at each venue turned into a bit of an amazing race!" Jaxon continued, "I talked to a lot of people on ArtWalk weekend about the obvious emergent energy in the Squamish arts community, including Joan McIntyre who is a big supporter of Arts and Culture. This event gave our artists much needed exposure and we expect there will be additional sales as a result. We want to keep the momentum building." After the event Joan McIntyre, MLA, West Vancouver-Garibaldi, remarked, “I enjoyed a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Squamish on the Art Walk Tour where I continue to be so impressed by the local talent. This fundraiser is a great way to showcase the arts, while at the same time supporting such a vital community service.”
VISUALS' mission is to support local artists through development, education and promotion while creating mentoring and networking opportunities. These artists are making a notable contribution to the community by raising money for other non-profit groups and promoting the artistic strength of our Squamish Valley. They are coordinating events which encourage broad regional support and participation. For more information about VISUALS , go to www.squamishart.com.

VISUALS presented a cheque to the Howe Sound Women's Centre (HSWC) for $421.48. This is an opportune time to raise awareness of the Howe Sound Women's Centre since they currently face challenges of finding new accommodation for the centre. Their Resource Centre fulfills an important need in the community, working with about 5,000 women a year through the transition and safe house in Pemberton, income tax guidance, human rights issues, the children who witness abuse program, First Nation's outreach and the Violence is Preventable Program.

Howe Sound Women's Centre relies on donations and fundraising to generate monies to operate these important programs so Squamish Artists took it upon themselves to actively help make a difference.
For more information on the Women's Centre, drop by 38116 Logger's Lane, phone 604-892-5748 or e-mail hswc@telus.net.