Cooperative sells art to help tsunami victims

The Visual Arts Cooperative is mobilizing to help with relief efforts in Asia as they hold a special "Save the Children" art sale throughout the month.

Several small works and miniatures -- including watercolors, acrylics and digitals -- in a variety of styles will be on sale with all proceeds beyond cost of materials going to tsunami disaster relief efforts. In addition, at least one large painting valued at $175 to $200 will be on sale.

All the works are from members of the cooperative, and will be displayed in their own separate section of the Jean Chapman Gallery at 32 N. Main St.

The benefit was the brainchild of co-op member Max Cordonnier.

"Personally, I had sold a painting, a rather large one, just a few days ago and I decided to send that money in to the Christian Children's Fund," he said. "Then I got the notion that maybe we could have the visual arts cooperative, or any other organization for that matter, contribute to it."

Cordonnier said he hopes the sale might attract the attention of some larger art houses and inspire them to do something similar.

"It's such a world disaster," Cordonnier said. "Any feeling person would have to respond to help some of these people. It's important to help anyone in that kind of situation."

It hasn't yet been determined what relief fund the money will go to, but it will likely be given to one of the larger charities assisting victims of the tsunami disaster, such as the Christian Children's Fund or Save the Children.

The art will be on display tonight at the First Friday Reception and through Jan. 29.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, ext. 182