Honoured by the Festival of Trees Group.
About a month back I was told about a contest to be entered by artists in our city to vie for the title of “Festival of Trees” official artist.
We have thousands of worthy artists in our city but I entered anyway. I think I have attended the Festival of Trees every year since we moved to Edmonton over 20 years ago.
The Festival is held at the massive Shaw Conference Center and features hundreds of beautifully decorated trees that are auctioned off in support of the University Hospital Foundation . Each year there is a new ‘ask’ and this year the goal is to make life easier for those with end stage kidney disease.
The F. of T.’s usually starts on the last weekend in November and historically I go to the wonderful luncheon, fashion show, and silent auction event. All of the ticket prices go toward that year’s cause . After the luncheon, we ( myself and my table mates) would head down to the lower hall which is absolutely breathtaking with the many trees, wreathes, and much more Christmas finery. Every single item has been made or decorated by a different sponsor and all for the U.H.F. cause.
The room has among other offerings : a sweets shop, a gingerbread display, Santa’s room, a wee store that only children are allowed to go in to purchase something for their parents…usually under $5.00, craft rooms, a store with gifts for the ‘older kids’ like me, and a large stage filled with singers made up of a constant rotation of city choirs or soloists.
I was shocked and thrilled when I was chosen to be the artist for this year’s F. of T.’s.
They had some perimeters : The painting must have this year’s theme colours (black and white designs, fuchsia, light green, and light blue colours), must have a scene of something recognizably Edmonton, and must be inclusive.
My final image is number four above. It is our City Hall with many people gathering around the large Christmas tree.
Yesterday, I was invited to the media event where it was announced that the Festival of Trees would go ahead this year and it wouldn’t have to be virtual like last year because the Covid numbers are down.
I was honoured to be mentioned and the painting was presented as ‘a symbol of joy and hope for our city’.
I have now been asked to do a second painting for the Festival Group. I believe both will be auctioned off to help the University Hospital reach their monetary goal. I offered my painting(s) freely as my part in trying to help this wonderful cause.
