August 16, 2006 • Artsy Pair Raising Money for Women’s Shelter
Gwen Smales, left, and Connie Fisher of the Artsy Pear Studio are donating three dollars from sale of every handcrafted Japanese lantern will be donated to Chrysalis. The two women say they want to give back to a community that has been good to them.
By Gillian Brunette — Huntsville Forester
When it comes to supporting worthy causes, Gwen Smales and her Artsy Pear Studio business partner Connie Fisher find it hard to say no.
So when they were invited to take part in a fundraising initiative for Huntsville’s women’s shelter project, the two didn’t hesitate.
They hosted a coffee party.
The ‘shrinking’ coffee party has been doing the rounds of Huntsville for the past couple of months and to date has raised $7,066, with money still coming in every day.
The parties are meant to be simple affairs, but the two artists took their party a step further and painted Chrysalis mugs for their guests.
One of the guests suggested the artsy pair should paint and sell mugs as a fundraiser for the shelter, but Smales and Fisher had a better idea. They decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their Japanese paper lanterns instead.
“We felt it was very important to support Chrysalis. we wanted to do something and we finally figured it out,” said Fisher.
The lanterns are finely handcrafted at the studio. Each lantern consists of a cedar base, painted or plain, with a glass votive holder and tea light. The shade is made from Japanese chiyogami paper, which comes in a wide range of colours and designs.
“The mug suggestion inspired us to do something for Chrysalis,” said Smales. “I truly believe in this place. It’s important for women and their children to have somewhere to go to if it becomes necessary.”
When a friend found herself in just that position, Smales had a newfound respect for shelter volunteers.
“I was very impressed with the whole concept of the shelter being a secure and safe haven,” she said.
Candles are meditative and inspiring and represent a hope for the future, Smales continued. “When you light candles it has a calming almost spiritual effect, which is why we decided on the Japanese lanterns. They are something we know people enjoy.”
The lanterns sell for $25 each including tax, from which the Artsy Pair Studio will donate $3 to Chrysalis.
“We both love children so much so we are also going to make little softie pillows to give to Chrysalis to give to the children when they arrive at the shelter,” said Fisher.
“And we’ve also volunteered to do a mural or decorate a room in the home,” added Smales.
The Japanese lanterns come gift-wrapped and make a lovely present for any occasion. They have proven very popular with visitors to the studio, said Smales.
“A card saying ‘supporter of Chrysalis’ will go into every gift bag. It’s a good feeling to know you are helping a worthy cause.
“We also like the idea of giving back to a community that has been so good to us.”
The Artsy Pear Studio is located at 35 King William Street, where there are numerous Japanese candles on display. Call 789-7067 or drop by the studio for a visit and help Chrysalis become reality.
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