SEBASTIAN — The 160-member Sebastian River Art Club this year made the largest donation it has to the Ecumenical Food Pantry – all of it from the sale of small works of art, 4” x 4” canvases painted by club member artists primarily as one-of-a-kind Christmas tree ornaments and sold for $10 each.
Just before filling out the check for the presentation, the women realized they had $687, so they all pitched in to bring it to an even, record-breaking $700. The Food Pantry serves about 2,000 meals this time of year, club President Judy McNamara said.
“And we’re not just an art club,” said Vice-President Judy Burgarella, “we donate a lot to Sebastian. We have different fund-raising projects through the year to support the Fellsmere Food Pantry, the Boys and Girls Club and others as well. We hold classes and give demonstrations; We have repaired benches in the park and donated a mural in City Hall. And we’ve been asked to decorate the library window.”
The club also conducts regular art shows in Riverview Park.
The artists welcomed Betty Letrick and Jinny Earnshaw from the Ecumenical Food Pantry and everyone gathered in the cozy gallery, around the tree trimmed with dozens of little paintings, to present the check and share the spirit of the season and help feed those in need during the holidays.
The Sebastian River Art Club Art Center is located at 1245 Main St., just west of the City Hall. It features an office, exhibit galleries and a studio, and is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and most Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For information: (772) 581-8281 or [email protected].
