Member Article

Rape Crisis launches mini-masterpieces exhibition

On 7 November, Newcastle-based charity, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, will launch Mini-Masterpieces, an art exhibition in aid of the charity.

Mini-Masterpieces is a collection of over one hundred pieces of postcard sized art, donated from artists across the region and each one can be snapped up by members of the public in a silent auction lasting until 2 December.

The charity, which has been supporting women since 1978, is exhibiting its Mini-Masterpieces at North East Art Collective, an art gallery in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

From Friday 7 November, members of the public are invited to visit the gallery, free of charge, to view the 100+ strong collection of postcards that have been created by the likes of local artists Sharron Blackmore, Mark Taylor-Gregg and critically acclaimed Alexander Millar, as well as those from further afield such as feminist artist Carol Rosetti, guitarist with The Futureheads and accomplished artist Ross Millard and creator of iconic Super Furry Animals album artwork Pete Fowler have all stepped up to create something unique in support of the work the charity does.

The miniature pieces of art will be sold during a silent auction in North East Art Collective at Eldon Garden in Newcastle, with 100% of the proceeds going direct to the charity. Art lovers can view the exhibition, choose their favourite postcard (or postcards!) and put their bid in the box at the gallery, or submit a bid online.

Sue Pearce co-CEO of Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland said: “This year we’re working harder than ever to raise funds, to increase our counselling capacity and give more women access to our services. We can’t thank the artists and North East Art Collective enough for supporting this event and we’re looking forward to revealing the collection to the public!”

John Thompson, owner of North East Art Collective commented: “I’ve seen many of the original pieces that the artists are creating and I can say this is going to be a cracking exhibition! The auction is a great opportunity to pick up a pocket-sized piece of art from some truly fantastic and highly-sought after artists, and at the same time raising money for a charity which works tirelessly in the region in supporting so many women.”

At 36 years old, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland is the oldest Rape Crisis Centre in the United Kingdom. It is a women-only service, providing support, information and counselling to women affected by any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives.

The charity works with women throughout some of the most traumatic times in their lives to support them in moving forward in a positive and healthy way. In 2013/2014, Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland offered over 1,000 face-to-face counselling sessions to women in the region.

Mini-Masterpieces opens at North East Art Collective on Friday 7 November and closes on Tuesday 2 December, bids can be placed in the gallery or online at www.rctn.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jon Corbett .