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Burnaby art show raises money, awareness for Alzheimer Society

Two local artists are helping to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. once again. Wendy Mould and Audrey Bakewell are once again teaming up for their Paints n’ Bloom art show and sale, running Nov. 22 to 24 at GardenWorks at Mandeville.

Two local artists are helping to raise money for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. once again.

Wendy Mould and Audrey Bakewell are once again teaming up for their Paints n’ Bloom art show and sale, running Nov. 22 to 24 at GardenWorks at Mandeville.

The two first joined forces to help the Alzheimer Society of B.C. back in the fall of 2011. Their next show marks their 16th Paints n’ Bloom event, which includes workshops along with the art show and sale.

The cause is personal for both artists.

“It is shocking to see how a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can affect a whole family,” said Mould in a press release. “There is not only the immediate concern for the loved one affected but there is a ripple of fear that runs through the family.”

With some hereditary component, Mould notes, family members can’t help but wonder what’s next. In her own family, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law were both diagnosed in their 50s.

“There is concern for my nieces and nephews, as they see their parents suffer, but also for themselves and their children. It has a far-reaching effect,” she said.

Bakewell, too, has faced Alzheimer’s in her family, and the Alzheimer Society services – which includes early screening, genetic counselling and caregiver support, among others – are important to her.

“It is important to us to help get the information out there,” she said. “When my mother was diagnosed, there was very little awareness, and as a family, it took its toll. Now my family is involved in genetic research with three universities.”

The Paints n’ Bloom events have raised more than $4,600 for the Alzheimer Society of B.C. since their inception.

The artists also include an information table at each of their shows to help families.

“Some people will quietly pick up the brochure, while others will share their stories with us,” Bakewell said. “We are pleased to help in any small way.”

The two are kick-starting their November show with a day of workshops on Tuesday, Nov. 20. In the morning (10 a.m. to noon), Bakewell will lead a beginner watercolour class, and in the afternoon (1 to 3 p.m.) Mould leads a Christmas Card Making class.  Each workshop costs $40 per person, including supplies, and anyone interested can register by calling Wendy Mould at 604-314-2232.

The three-day art show runs Thursday, Nov. 22 to Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, and features “bright vivid colour and wildlife action,” the press release says.

GardenWorks at Mandeville is at 4746 Marine Dr.