Friends of the Gallery
BAG AN ARTIST: BAGS OF HOPE:
Unique art pieces

FOG, in collaboration with the E.U. Commission held their second exciting ‘Bag an Artist’ auction following on from their first auction in 2005 at the French Ambassadors residence which proved a huge success.  The theme of the 2009 event was ‘Bags of Hope’, collectable bags containing personal messages of hope.

Hope is the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled, it is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be achieved or that events will turn out for the best. As a result, Bags of Hope consisted of collectable art pieces containing personal messages of hope as decorated by some of the country’s prominent and up and coming artists.

Invited artists painted a canvas panel that was supplied by FOG. FOG then sewed the panel into a sturdy cotton drill, reusable bag (which would also fit a laptop) complete with FOG logo, a padded shoulder strap and an inner liner.

The works were decorated using a wide variety of medium such as beadwork, patchwork, paint, appliqué, embroidery, graphics, wording, plastic sleeves, removable bottle cap art (for washing), fringes, tassels and screen-print. As artists have managed to inspire nations through their creative and aesthetic works so much that art remains natural and original as was shown on the bags: variations of maps, people, birds, insects, nature, body parts, village life, wildlife, trees and flowers.

Zimbabwe is renowned for its diverse majestic nature and environment that needs to be preserved. It is important to question positively what actions need to be taken to avert further damage. Environmental awareness can be deliberated on especially in the context of art. As the Bags are environmentally friendly they will reduce the amount of new plastic bags distributed by shops which are extremely bad for the environment (as they are not biodegradable) giving shoppers a hand designed, famous name, work of art to carry their shopping home in. Making a statement (pro planet) while looking good!

The finished works were exhibited at the National Gallery a week prior to the auction. The bags possess relevance to the people and the environment in which we live in. In every work of art produced a story is told and experiences are shared. The endless energy and enthusiasm of artists portrayed on these bags ensures a hopeful and positive growth of the National Gallery as a cultural centre.

The bags where auctioned at an exciting family fun charity auction held at Hellenic Junior School in November 2009. As people wandered around viewing the auction pieces they enjoyed outstanding snacks and refreshments from the bar by kind courtesy of the EU.  The hall was decorated with a series of unique floral displays including a large artists palette full of colourful hydrangeas' that welcomed guests in the foyer area. The event was officially opened by Mr X Marchel, the Ambassador of the EU. Mr Marchel was then joined by Mr M Koukakis, The Ambassador of Greece, who in his speech spoke of hope and life. Next on stage was Mr Tim Coghlan the Auctioneer, with a recorder below him and runners displaying wonderfully decorated bags to an eagerly waiting audience.  Tim did an amazing job of auctioning over 90 unique bags.

The event would not have happened without help from the following key people: FOG would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr & Mrs Marchel of the EU (through the European Commission) for all their assistance and contribution to supporting the event. A vote of gratitude to Mr M Koukakis: The Ambassador of Greece for his valuable input and a huge thank you to Tim Coghlan for giving up his time to run a very successful auction where FOG raised over USD$ 3000.  Kind thanks go to Mrs Middleton of Hellenic Junior School for providing such an appropriate venue. Many thanks to Sue Childes for the designing and executing the amazing floral displays.

Every participating artist received 30% of the auction price realized. The balance of the money raised will purchase works for the permanent collection. FOG also donated a range of art books to the Hellenic School Art Department Library. Thank you to everyone who supported the event!

FOG: supporting Art in Zimbabwe.

The FOG committee members are as follows:

• Mrs Sharon Waterworth – Chair
• Mr Michael Laban - Vice Chair
• Mrs Coralie Baxter – Treasurer
• Ms Chemwi Mutiwanyuka – Secretary
• Mr Harry Kantor
• Mr Richard Beattie
• Ms Ngoni Mararike
• Ms Laura Ganda
• Ms Vivienne Jedeikin