Vincent van Gogh relative to live paint at Vancouver youth fundraiser

Nov 8 2017, 5:37 am

A descendent of Vincent van Gogh and local Vancouver artist is participating in a night of live art, tattooing, and food tasting to help vulnerable children – and you’re invited.

Kathy van Gogh, whose great-great-great-great grandfather was Vincent van Gogh’s uncle, will be live painting at The Art of Art: A West Coast Formal.

The party, presented by non-profit organization Youth Unlimited, will take place at The Pipe Shop in North Vancouver on Saturday, November 18.

Hundreds are expected to attend, to see a total of 10 artists creating live, enjoy a food truck tasting competition, and bid on incredible art.

In a release, van Gogh said she is taking part because she understands the struggles that can thwart a young life, and that they can be overcome.

“I remember being mesmerized as a four-year old, watching some fallen crayons melt on the heater,” said van Gogh.

“I always had a passion for colour and a strong interest in art, but I avoided it for a very long time. The family name was a double-edged sword.”

Self portrait of Vincent van Gogh hanging outside the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (ingehogenbijl/Shutterstock)

Self portrait of Vincent van Gogh hanging outside the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (ingehogenbijl/Shutterstock)

According to the release, Kathy van Gogh’s family had shied away from their relation to the great artist, who took his own life aged just 37 after years of mental health problems.

Her family saw that as a source of shame, but having taken decades to overcome that stigma, she now wants to help young people dealing with mental health issues.

To help support the cause, van Gogh will be live painting at the The Art of Art, creating a portrait of former Guns N’ Roses singer Duff McKagan.

An array of art, food, and music

The art created by van Gogh on the night, as well as the live art created by nine other artists will be auctioned off at the end of the night.

The artists set to create live art at fundraiser are:

  • Kathy van Gogh: Water colour portrait
  • Cory Larocque, Nokatsi: Northwest Coast Carver
  • Karlie Carpentier Rosin: Figurative art, acrylic paint on canvas
  • prOphecy sun: Performance and participatory installation
  • Skyla Wayrynen: Abstract portrait, painting, acrylic on canvas

  • Stephen Quissy: Pottery
  • Taisha Teal: Acrylic with spray paint
  • Tatiana Rivero Sanz: Unique photo portraits
  • Up-and-coming artist Tania, who got help from Youth Unlimited as a child, will be painting digitally on an art tablet, creating projections onscreen which will be transformed into print-pieces.
  • Tattoo Artist: TBA

As well as enjoying this live art creation, you’ll also be able to purchase other artworks by these and multiple other local artists at a silent auction too.

BC Lions fullback Rolly Lumbala will be MCing for the “interactive, elegant evening” with live music from Kapila and beats from DJ Justin Trinadad.

Vote for your favourite artist… and appy

The party is being held in partnership with Art! Vancouver and Orbiiit Technologies, which is hosting two related contests for Vancouver artists and chefs.

You can vote for the chefs supplying appies for the event, and select which innovative chef should win $150 by choosing your favourite here: orbiiit.com/contests/7/entries.

As well, you can vote for which artists you think should win the People’s Choice Artist Award and $200, by selecting your choice here: orbiiit.com/contests/6/entries.

Anyone can vote, you don’t need an event ticket to do so – but each ticket you do buy will give more votes to your favourite chef or artist.

Youth Unlimited runs a variety of innovative drop-in programs on topics like arts, sports, meals, and parenting for vulnerable youth.

As well, the Christian group offers support for kids in foster care, prisons and gangs, as well as those struggling with mental illness, bullying, homelessness and isolation.

Early bird tickets for The Art of Art: A West Coast Formal are on sale for $50 until Wednesday, November 8, or get a pack of four for $160 before November 17.

The Art of Art: A West Coast Formal

When: Saturday, November 18

Time: 7 pm to 11 pm

Where: The Pipe Shop – 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver

Tickets: On Eventbrite, early bird tickets $50 until November 8, early bird 4-pack $160 until November 17; regular tickets $60 online or $75 on the door.

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Jenni SheppardJenni Sheppard

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