A special evening to enjoy fine art and raise money

Some of the hottest tickets in April will be to the Fairwinds fine art exhibition’s opening night party and auction.

Fairwinds, a new event, is to be held at the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, the home of the Andrew Cassell Foundation (ACF). It will include around 80 paintings with a sea theme, by nine of the Island’s most talented artists, and raise funds for the charity, which gives sailing opportunities to those with physical and sensory disabilities.

The nine artists have been brought together by Peter Allen, who shares a Ryde gallery with fellow artist, Lyndy Moles. Their work will be on display along with paintings by Sue Stitt, Becky Samuelson, Carol Owen MBE, Angela Sowden, Tony Westmore, Martin Swan and Chris Gillies.

The exhibition was the inspiration of John Garlick, a keen sailor and passionate art lover, until his death in September 2021. His dream was to create a sustainable fine art exhibition celebrating the Island and Island art while supporting local charities. His family, together with the ACF, are proud to fulfil John’s legacy.

The paintings will be on display and for sale over the weekend of April 22-24, with 10 per cent of the purchase price going to the ACF.

The ticketed drinks and canapes reception, on Friday night (April 21), will include a special auction of nine paintings, each donated by the artists, and a prize draw where ticket holders can win some fabulous Island goodies donated by local companies, including local produce hampers and Mermaid Gin. It will also give you the opportunity to meet the artists, who have never before exhibited together, and learn more about their work.

To be a part of this unique celebration of Island talent, and support a Cowes-based charity that helps sailors with a wide range of disabilities, you can purchase tickets for just £35 from acfsailing.org/artshow.