Art fundraiser for World Pediatric Project to be held on campus

March 23, Bon Air Artists Association will feature 66 artists and their work in the Artful Healing show at the Jepson Alumni Center in support of World Pediatric Project.

World Pediatric Project is a non-profit organization based in Richmond that provides healthcare to children in developing countries in Central America and the Caribbean who do not have access to proper healthcare, according to the WPP website.

"There are a lot of students from UR that intern and volunteer with WPP, and we have a lot of support from local artists as well," Treva Thomas, director of development at WPP, said.

The association is estimating to raise between $15,000 and $25,000 for WPP, said Joyce Satterwhite, a member of the Bon Air Artists Association.

The art will include paintings, photographs, sculptures and 3-D pieces. Prices will range from $150 dollars to more than $400, and 30 percent of the proceeds will benefit WPP.

Christopher Wynn, a watercolor artist, said he had never heard of WPP before the Bon Air Artists Association contacted him to showcase his paintings at the benefit auction.

"It's a great cause and I'm happy to be contributing to its success," Wynn said. "Now everywhere I turn it seems like I hear about all the great things the organization has done."

Members of the public are invited to attend the event Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. free of charge. About 200 people are expected to attend, Satterwhite said.

Saturday, there will be a cocktail party and reception for artists, donors, co-hosts and invited guests of donors and VIPs will be held at the Jepson Alumni Center. It will also include an open bar and hors d'oeuvres catered by the university. An artwork donated by one invited artist will be raffled at the reception, Satterwhite said.

"We're hoping to make this a family event," Satterwhite said. "One that will bring the community together to support a great cause."

Contact Collegian Contributor Olivia Simons at olivia.simons@richmond.edu