There was an incredible turnout at the “Art for Orphans” exhibition and auction held at St. Basil’s Randwick on Thursday 17th October 2019.

The residents from Randwick, Lakemba, Miranda, Kogarah and Annandale created impressive artworks from their art based cognitive therapy class, to auction off and raise funds for the children of St. Tabitha orphanage in Fiji.

In attendance was the Greek Consul General Christos Karras, the directors of St Basil’s, leader of the Small Business Party Angela Vithoulkas, Greek-Australian business people, as well as residents, family, friends and staff.

The art based cognitive therapy class is a very popular activity for the residents that stimulates the mind, increases motor skills and coordination, develops socialisation, boost one’s sense of creativity, improves mood and mental health and results in unbelievably magnificent works of art.

Some of the residents had never picked up a brush before or knew they could be creative. The art therapy sessions also connected them with their peers as they made new memories together, while raising funds for the orphans of St. Tabitha Fiji to enjoy a better life.

In total more than 90 awe-inspiring paintings were auctioned off to raise approximately $30,000.

Some of the pieces included “Dinner at a Greek village,” “Golden Wattle with Pardalotes & Sunbird on Christmas Bells – Flowers,” “Protea,” and “The Couple,” which is a limited-edition silkscreen by the famous Greek painter Alekos Fasianos.

Most of the art was also created using acrylic paint with mixed media on canvas, while some of them featured gold leaf.

“Art for Orphans” was a huge success and the residents were very proud of themselves that they can still make valuable contributions to the community.

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