Photo supplied.
Fran Fearnley of Rice Lake Gallery.
Special guest speaker Fran Fearnley will share her experiences of Zimbabwe on March 6.
Fran’s deep connection to this southern African country makes her the ideal spokesperson for this year’s World Day of Prayer event that brings the community together, in particular, but not exclusively, the people of Christian congregations, to learn about how faith empowers others to act and make a difference where they live. Each year, the women of a particular country write the program that encourages prayer and action for peace and justice. This year, the focus is on Zimbabwe.
Fran Fearnley is the owner/curator of the Rice Lake Gallery, located just east of Bailieboro, overlooking Rice Lake and the Northumberland Hills. Founded in 2000, the gallery is recognized as the home of the most comprehensive, eclectic selection of Zimbabwean stone sculpture in Canada.
Every year, Fran travels to Zimbabwe to visit studios, gets to know new artists, purchase sculpture and select an artist for a 3-month residency in Canada. She is also deeply involved in other projects that have included installing irrigation systems, building chicken houses, and raising funds to build a primary school. Through the gallery’s ZimKids initiative, there is also support for children by paying school fees, supplying the required uniforms, and boosting attendance and learning outcomes with a lunch program.
Fran has recently returned from her annual trip to Zimbabwe and will share her experiences and insights in an illustrated presentation. Everyone in the community is welcome to this event Friday, March 6, 2:00 pm, in the Fireside Lounge, Centennial Place in Millbrook.
