John S. Gilbert. Cherry Ripe
Over the weekend I was given a leaflet by a lady promoting an art sale for her late father’s art work. We didn’t speak much but she mentioned that they were selling the family home. The situation just seemed so sad, and as I was left to ponder this I felt like I wanted to do something to help.
When I got home I tried to find out more about the art sale online but any without success. That’s when it struck me what I can do to help, promote the exhibition and art sale online. As a poor artist there’s very little I can do to help raise money through sales of artwork, but I can give my time and use my skills in promoting events to try to get people down there.
On Sunday evening I rang the number on the leaflet and spoke to the family, who were happy to receive help with the online side of things. They are busy sorting things out and it sounds like it will be a great event.
What really struck me about the event was that John was a local artist who has left behind a huge body of work including oil and acrylic paintings, pastels and watercolours. Obviously his family can’t keep it all, but what else can you do with someone’s life’s work? It makes me sad to think that someone’s work might be forgotten or worse, thrown away (not that I’m suggesting this family would do that). I feel like it could be any of us artists one day. I hope lots of people go and see, and enjoy, and buy his work in February, and I’m sure any artist would want the same for their own work too.
This exciting and unique exhibition includes still life, abstract, landscapes and portrait paintings. Prints will be available from £5.
The Valentine’s Day art sale and exhibition is on 13th and 14th February 2016, 9am – 5pm.
It will be held at the family home:
4 Oakbrook Road
Sheffield, S11 7EA
I hope you can go along and show your support for this prolific and well loved local artist, his work, and his family.
Facebook event: The Art of John Stewart Gilbert
Sharon Mossbeck 