SPELADD Non-reserve Charity Art Auction

Palmerston North’s Square Edge Community Arts Centre will host a fantastic non-reserve art auction to benefit local charity, SPELADD a regional organisation which assists people particularly children to overcome specific learning difficulties (SLD). To be held at Square Edge on Saturday 30th October, the auction will feature all kinds of artworks from oils and acrylics to blown glass; from folk art to fine English watercolours and contemporary and abstract artwork by local artists. The organisers are sure that there will be artworks for everyone; the purchase price is a donation to this worthy charity. Artworks to be auctioned can be viewed on Saturday morning 30th October; the sale will begin at 3PM in the main gallery of Square Edge. And while there will be no Picassos or Rembrandts there will be very high quality works contributed by community members who support SPELADD in this way. Light refreshments will also be available.

Admission to the auction is by gold coin donation and EFTPOS will be available. SPELADD is a registered not-for-profit organisation established in the Manawatu in 1999. SPELADD provides support and services for people of all ages with learning difficulties such as ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common problem in today’s world. In addition to working with people with SLD, SPELADD holds seminars and training programmes to instruct parents/families, educators, employers and the wider community including police and justice system employees to recognise SLD. Proceeds from the sale of original artwork, prints, ceramics and glass will help to fund the administration of the SPELADD programme within the Manawatu/Horowhenua Districts enabling those individuals with Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, difficulties with literacy and/.or numeracy or having symptoms of ADD, ADHD or High-functioning Autism (Asperger Syndrome) to be assessed and treatments recommended.

SPELADD looks at the whole person, from what they eat to how they move, feel, hear, see and how they cope with learning and developing their self-esteem and social skills. All these improved abilities for the child and the parents learning advocacy skills, means a happier family and a happier community. The aim of the organisation is to enable those with SLD and ADD/ADHD to reach their full potential. The organisation’s vision is “That every individual with SLD or ADHD has their learning needs recognised and met; and for educators and other professionals to share expert knowledge in a collaborative way for the good of all.” Its mission is “to enable and facilitate the recognition, remediation and referral of those who ‘learn differently’ to encourage their success and enjoyment of life-long learning.”

This non-reserve auction will include etchings, prints, original artworks, ceramics and blown glassware. Among the artists who have made work available for this worthy cause are Angela Walker, an etcher and printmaker; Joanna Ward, a painter with a unique style on board and paper. Featured artist is Gael Gamble of Feilding who has contributed over twenty-four pastels; her husband has sent along 3 pen and ink drawings of which he is well-known in the Manawatu. A large abstract painting by David Taylor is also featured. Over 150 works will be for sale; come early to preview the works and stay for an exciting auction of sought-after artworks, most which have not been seen in public galleries before!

The more money that is spent on purchasing artwork means more funds for SPELADD to conduct assessments, workshops, teacher training and the like. We encourage SPELADD supporters, art lovers, art collectors, and gallery-goers to spend up large in support of SPELADD and the very important work that the organisation does in this region.