CHAS Online Art Auction is now LIVE!

The event, which will run from 12pm on Friday 19 June until 5pm on Friday 3 July, will give people the opportunity to buy original artworks, with sales of the pieces being split evenly between the artists and the charity.

CHAS, which supports over 450 families across Scotland, is committed to making sure every moment they spend together is filled with as much happiness and fun as possible. During the coronavirus pandemic the charity has been searching for creative ways to fundraise virtually and High Profile Events Manager, Diane Alton came up with the idea for an online auction which would mutually benefit artists and CHAS.

She said: "In the same way that charities are struggling as a result of fundraising events being cancelled, artists are finding it difficult too with their exhibitions being postponed and art galleries closing their doors.

"Through the online auction 50% of all the sales will come to CHAS and the artist will receive the remaining 50%. In this way everyone gains - the buyer finds a beautiful piece of art they love, the artist is supported and everyone involved will make a significant difference to the lives of children and their families across Scotland supported by CHAS.

"We are proud to be hosting this event as art therapy is used in our hospices by our activities team and plays a big part in helping children and families create lasting memories.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to Jack and to all the other hugely talented artists involved."

Edinburgh-born Jack Morrocco, who works from his studios at home in Fife and on the Cote d'Azur in the south of France, has developed a strong following of collectors and has shown successfully in Edinburgh, London and New York as well as several in the South of France.

He said: "I am proud to be associated with CHAS and able to give what support I can to this very deserving cause.

"In past years CHAS has been successful in auctioning some large and important paintings which have raised substantial sums for the charity through the generosity of their supporters. I hope this sale proves to be just as successful to enable CHAS to continue its important work supporting children and families across Scotland."

Other acclaimed artists who have submitted works for the CHAS auction include James Somerville Lindsay, Robert Kelsey, Jennifer Irvine, Chris Bushe, Les Donaghy, Emma S Davis, Sophie McKay Knight, Damian Callan and Peter King.

Like many other charities in the current pandemic, CHAS has had to dramatically transform the way in which it operates. While both Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch are continuing to provide end of life care, our new Virtual Hospice Service, now in its second month, also provides support families who are having to completely self-isolate.

Families are offered extensive support by phone and video on clinical guidance, financial advice and bereavement support. Our family support teams also offer a range of interactive activities, art clubs, storytelling and friendship calls to children and parents.

The pieces in the Art Auction range in price from £95 to £13,250.

View the artworks here: www.jumblebee.co.uk/chasartauction and even if you don't find anything that takes your fancy, but you'd still like to donate to our cause, you can do so by clicking here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ArtSale.