An Okotoks woman who’s recently delved into painting as a profession will join a handful of well-known artists in supporting their community this month.
South African-born Marli Beetge is selling her lifelike wildlife oil paintings and charcoal drawings on reclaimed wood at Brushed with Flair’s fifth annual Art With Heart fundraiser at the DeWinton Community Hall.
This will be Beetge’s first time showing at the event, where 30 per cent of proceeds from all art sold go to the Foothills Country Hospice Society.
“It’s nice to know that the commissions go to a good cause - I love that idea,” said Beetge. “I hope we can raise quite a bit for the hospice.”
Beetge, who began drawing as a child and then drawing and painting occasionally in her adult life while working full time as a graphic designer, decided to pursue her passion for art full time two years ago.
“I decided I was going to try to focus on my art and see if I can make that my job,” she said. “My kids are now grown up and full time in school so I have time on hand.”
Beetge delved into drawing and painting wildlife, domestic animals, landscapes and vintage cars. Her work has been displayed in a handful of shows across the Foothills the past couple of years.
“I’m originally from South Africa and I have a lot of African animals,” she said. “I started with them, but I find people like the Canadian animals more around here.”
Beetge further improves her talent with online courses and art workshops.
On March 29, she’ll be joined by artists Marg Smith, Susan Torris, Tina Winistok, Dana Winistok, Debra Green, Deborah Whitton and Cathie Johnson in DeWinton.
Smith said the charity art show and sale raises anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 for the hospice.
The charity event’s previous year’s artists have first pick at returning, said Smith. If space is available, new artists can join the show. New this year is Beetge and Calgary artist Dana Winistok, who specializes in impressionistic-style cityscapes and figurative work in oil.
“We always try and show eight artists - it seems to be an optimum number for that venue,” said Smith. “Each artist just shows whatever they wish to show to give as much variety to the guests as possible.”
Smith, an oil painter, came up with the idea of Art with Heart in collaboration with other artists while volunteering as a weekly resident art therapy artist at the Foothills Country Hospice.
“The place is so marvelous we wanted to be able to help out,” she said. “We like to give back to the community.”
Smith said Art with Heart is a semi-formal event where people walk around viewing art while drinking wine and enjoying appetizers in a relaxed atmosphere.
“The hors d’oeuvres are served by waiters dressed in black and white,” she said. “It’s like being in a real London art show, but low key. We try and make it so people feel that they’re having a nice classy evening, but they’re not having to wear tux and tails.”
Tina Winistok, a wildlife and landscape painter from Turner Valley, will paint on site along with a guest. Debra Green will also paint during the eventing. The paintings will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the hospice.
Music will be provided by Turner Valley guitarist Stan Winistok.
Tickets to attend Art With Heart cost $30 and can be purchased at eventbrite.ca. The price includes refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.
