Local artists throughout Tasman are gearing up to support Project Jonah’s efforts in aiding distressed marine mammals.
Alyson Winter, an artist from Tasman who regularly attends Wakefield Art Group sessions, has recently put her talent to good use by donating two whale paintings to the sea-themed Project Jonah Exhibition being organised by The Coolstore Gallery in Mapua.
This nationwide organisation trains volunteers to provide aid to whales and dolphins in distress.
“I’ve not donated to Project Jonah before,” Alyson says. “The humpback whales were harder to paint as their skin is not smooth and has barnacles and other things as opposed to a dolphin’s smooth skin.”
The Coolstore Gallery’s Project Jonah fundraiser includes artists donating pieces or a portion of their sales to support Project Jonah. The event features a diverse range of marine mammal-themed creations, including textile whales, artistic ceramic plates and bowls, wooden wall art, and other unique pieces.
The Coolstore Gallery owner, Corene, trained as a marine medic under the Project Jonah banner and remains on the volunteer call-out list should there be a mammal stranding.
“I’ve never been called out, but I have my pack with my wetsuit and other items it in and always have my phone on. If they need help, I will be there,” Corene says.
“I heard it was Project Jonah’s 50th birthday so I was really keen to help them fundraise and celebrate the work they do.”
Corene mentions that the gallery fundraiser is a unique event requiring considerable effort behind the scenes to manage artist works, a raffle, and silent auctions. Despite the workload, Corene believes the current contributions to the gallery indicate it will be a successful fundraiser and well worth the effort.
Those wishing to support the Project Jonah exhibition can visit The Coolstore Gallery from 2 August to 12 September, with the opening on Thursday 1 August from 5.30-7.30pm.
