Art auction in aid of animal sterilisation

NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS - The village of Nieu-Bethesda nestles below the magnificent Compassberg, about 50 kilometres from Graaff-Reinet. Here, with few amenities and no veterinarian, locals inevitably have to jump in themselves.

Under the Camdeboo Sterilisation Initiative (CSI), volunteers help with sterilisation, fieldwork training and veterinary care programmes for the animals of Nieu-Bethesda and surrounds.

The village may be small, but boasts an artist community with massive heart. Despite difficult times, many Nieu-Bethesda artists - and those from further afield with a love for the village - have donated artworks to be auctioned off. All the proceeds from the exhibition and auction will go towards the vet care project.

"These donations from the artists highlight the deep love they have for the animals in Nieu-Bethesda. And we cannot thank them enough," says Victoria Nance, one of the organisers.

The exhibition, called Art from the Heart, will take place from 16 to 19 December at the Sports Club in Nieu-Bethesda.

Over 30 artists, including local ones, are represented and over 60 artworks will feature in the exhibition.

How to bid

Selected artworks will go on auction on Instagram and at the event on 16 December. Bidding opened on Instagram on Monday 13 December and will close on Thursday 16 December at 17:h00. "If you are in Nieu- Bethesda you can join the live auction on Thursday 16 December from 18:00. If you cannot be there in person, you can continue bidding telephonically until 21:30, says Nance.

"Just make sure you have DM’ed your number to the organisers to make arrangements to continue bidding."

Credit card facilities will be available at the event.

Support in other ways

If you are unable to attend in person or bid virtually but still want to support CSI, you can make a donation via EFT to: CSI Special Projects, Capitec savings account, 1611515724.

Nance asks that, if you are planning a trip to Nieu-Bethesda during the festive season, you please bring a bag of dog food with you and drop it off at Dustcovers Bookshop or at Karoo Angels.

For more information, contact Victoria Nance on 082 517 0045 or victorianance@hotmail.com.