Since 2016, the Art4Art fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Vancouver Community Library has brought the community together through creativity and diversity. On Friday, the group will host its sixth annual fundraiser in partnership with 150 local artists. The money raised is allocated toward future art projects, new acquisitions and programming at Vancouver Community Library. Every year, the group gives professional and beginner artists the chance to express themselves on wooden 8-inch panels provided by Burgener’s Woodworking. Artists donate their work back to be sold at the fundraiser. Art4Art features over 200 unique pieces conveying a range of subject matters. Guests can expect a variety of work, including sculptures, mixed media, watercolors, 3D acrylic, oil pastel, pencil and even crayon.

All pieces sell for $30 each on a first-come first-served basis, but opening night tends to be the busiest. “This project is very much a concerted effort between the library staff and the Friends,” said organizer Charles Forshew. “This event and art is an essential part of community building.” Beth Wood, collection librarian, has been involved with the fundraiser since 2017. Traditionally, they recruit artists via newsletters, signage and word of mouth. “We have so many wonderful artists in our community,” Wood said. “Over the years, it has allowed me to get to know the arts community and link it to the library.”

Mother and daughter duo Kelsey Lovelle and Janienne Jennrich each have two pieces featured in the fundraiser. Lovelle says she visits her mother’s house twice a week where they do art together. “I always want to spread joy and color through my art,” said Lovelle. The 9-year-old artist Mallory Riley says the inspiration for her piece came from her art teacher. Mallory’s art features colorful melted crayons that bleed onto the pages of a Nancy Drew book, her favorite series. As a testament to community partnership, Forshew says the artwork is unsigned. The decision to sell unsigned artwork is what he says exemplifies “art for art’s sake.” The notion behind it? Art is equal. There is no divisiveness between beginner and professional artists. Nor do certain pieces possess a higher value. Art exists to bring the community together, according to Forshew.

Refreshments will be provided and local guitarist John Van Beek of Music We Remember will perform. Those interested in submitting art for the next fundraiser, contact: vaartteam@FVRL.org.

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