Wendy Helliwell went wild at Blair Drummond Safari Park as she sought inspiration to create artworks that she hopes will raise much-needed funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Their much-loved Art Show returns to Edinburgh this year celebrating its 17th anniversary in November (Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th November), at the Apex Hotel on Waterloo Place.
Wendy’s palette has a wide spectrum of course but you’d certainly describe its main colour as green. She gives a new lease of life to all kinds of discarded materials by recycling them to create her unique style of art. By the same token she hopes the sale of her work will contribute to enhancing the lives of cancer sufferers throughout the country.
It’s a sentiment that saw Wendy stick her neck out for one of Macmillan’s well-known fundraising events with the artistic nod of her friends, Keisha the giraffe, and Spot the zebra. They star alongside their other animal chums in two pieces of artwork Wendy has donated to Macmillan’s Art Show.
It’s big changes this year for the popular art event with a new winter profile and an exciting new venue to brag about.
Aiming to offer something different to artists and supporters, the art sale is showcasing a broad range of original paintings, photos, drawings and prints to suit every visitor’s budget. Over the years, the popular event has raised over £500,000, through renowned and emerging artists donating a minimum of 50% of the sale price of their work to Macmillan Cancer Support.
This year’s exhibition platform will showcase work from around 140 exhibitors offering great exposure and the opportunity for buyers to purchase limited edition works, to nurture new talent and give support to those living with cancer.
More and more people are being cured or surviving cancer longer, but they still need support at every step of their journey. Cancer can have a lasting effect on people’s lives, seriously impacting them emotionally, physically and financially. The annual Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show raises vital funds every year to ensure that no matter what, Macmillan Cancer Support are with people all the way.
“Macmillan made such a positive impact on our lives several years ago when we lost our mother. We benefited greatly as a family receiving regular care and the warm faces really did make a difference at what was a difficult time” said Wendy.
“I’d like to think my colourful and fun works inject positive thoughts into a home also. My work is constructed from recycled materials including glossy magazine pieces and old nail polish. I love to give something old a new lease of life in a brand-new form. I am mindful of our environment as well as a serial hoarder believing there are no limits to the choice of materials when constructing a piece of artwork. I have even started using my old clothing.
“Head to Tail is one of a series of 4 works, it really was great fun building these colourful characters up and bringing them to life.”
Pauline Macmillan, senior fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “The art show is one of our most exciting fundraising events in Scotland and we’re delighted it’s still going strong in its 17th year.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports the show which raises vital funds for Macmillan enabling us to provide much needed help to people living with cancer.”
Pat Young, a founding member of the Macmillan Art Show committee said: “It has given me great pleasure to be involved with Edinburgh Macmillan Art Show since its inception.
“Combining my love of art with the opportunity to raise vital funds for this charity has been very rewarding and I look forward to our event with continued enthusiasm.”
The selection of prints on sale at the show are available to view online https://macmillanartshow.org.uk or at the Apex Hotel on Waterloo Street.
Pictures: Phil Wilkinson
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