Professional artist and lifelong sailing enthusiast Kitt Athay has donated a special painting to raise funds for children’s sailing charity, Horizons Plymouth, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The mixed media painting, which denotes a playful, collaged harbour scene is entitled ‘A Bid for Freedom’ to celebrate the lifting of the COVID Lockdown in 2021. It is hoped the proceeds from the successful auction will raise vital funds for the much-loved local charity.
Horizons Plymouth, which is based at Mayflower Marina, provides learning and educational opportunities for young people, through water-based activities. It runs sailing clubs for disadvantaged children from the inner-city communities of Plymouth and vulnerable adults from across the city and beyond.
The charity relies on both charitable donations and the dedication of their 60-strong team of volunteers to maintain the 3,000 sailing sessions which take place annually.
Simon Mace, chief executive of Horizons Plymouth said
“This year has certainly been a challenging one, which has seen us completely adapt to a different way of working in order to still give young people the opportunity to get out on the water, in the safest way possible under the circumstances.
“We rely solely on charitable grant making trusts and donations which has been and will be even more challenging over the years to come, so the donation of this fantastic painting will give us a unique opportunity to raise much needed funds to continue giving young people the opportunity to access the water and all the associated health benefits it can bring with it. We are very grateful to Kitt, and Mayflower Marina for choosing to support Horizons, and we hope the painting provides an amazing centre piece for the lucky bidder!”
Kitt Athay, who himself sailed as a child with his family around the South Coast said:
“More than ever the importance to encourage children into outdoor activities is now evident. Having spent over a year under curfew, unable to attend school and engage with friends, this year will have influenced mental as well as physical health for many children. I hope that the sale of my painting can bring some much-warranted joy to many Horizons participants. My fiancée and I would also like to thank Mayflower Marina for their outstanding support over lockdown.”
Horizons Plymouth will display ‘A Bid for Freedom’ at nearby Mayflower Marina bar and bistro Jolly Jacks, whilst bids are generated to win the unique work. The auction is due to complete on November 17 and the winner will be announced on November 20 at the fundraising Horizons 30th Anniversary ball at the Duke of Cornwall Hotel. Bids can be made by emailing Annette Molloy via annette@horizonsplymouth.org.
