Bill Slavin
The Millworks art show and sale in support of Needlers’ Mill exceeded everyone’s wildest expectations. More than $10,000 was raised through the sale of artwork with a further $2000 collected in cash donations at the seven hour event held on Saturday, October 24. Organizers report that the vast majority of the 37 items of donated artwork were sold, many disappearing in the first few minutes of the show’s opening.
Millworks organizers Esperanca Melo, Grace Glass and Bill Slavin take a moment during the event to appreciate the tangible appreciation of the guests. Photo: Karen Graham.
The generosity of the more than 30 artists involved, donating 100% of the proceeds of the sale of their art towards the fund-raising drive directed towards the preservation of Needlers’ Mill in Millbrook, was equally matched by people who clearly came with the intention to buy, expressing strong and broad support for this community effort.
The success of the show was also due to the hard work of a number of organizers working behind the scenes. It was pulled together in less than a month under the inspiration and organization of Grace Glass, who first conceived the show, contacted the artists, arranged the use of the space and handled the many things necessary in preparation for an event such as this. Esperança Melo designed the poster and hand out cards, and along with Barb Walker helped Grace in organizing the show. JoEllen Brydon and Jane Wilson worked miracles in the St. Thomas Anglican Church Hall (which was given to the organizers for three days free of charge), transforming it into a gallery overnight and displaying the work to its very best advantage.
Wine was donated by Ian Sparks, and the evening of the show was graced by the music of local musicians who donated their time and talent to the event. Musicians included Brooke Stewart, Jeff Brackett, and the band Relic’s Boat.
The money raised at the show pushed the Save the Mill fundraising drive well past its goal of $90,000, making the evening a resounding finale to months of hard work on the part of many to preserve and keep this important icon in the heart of Millbrook.
