Art with a Heart was a nationwide initiative established to raise funds for Relay for Life in and the Irish Cancer Society in 2020, while supporting nearly 100 participants of all ages in maintaining their creativity during the early lockdown. Students from Helen McLean’s WWETB classes, as well as her studio groups, contributed to this fundraising effort by creating heart-themed paintings on 10cm square coasters. These artworks were showcased on Facebook, where members of the public could select a piece for a €20 donation, dedicating it to the memory of a loved one.

The project surpassed expectations, raising over €6,000 within just a few weeks. For students who were cocooning, the act of creating art served as a valuable means of communication and engagement. The collection and return of artworks, as well as the community’s interaction on social media, further fostered a sense of connection. The project’s primary aim was to encourage both creativity and dialogue among participants and the wider community at a very isolating and difficult time in the communities life

Upon releasing the images online and inviting donations in exchange for personal dedications, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with more than 300 pieces sold. Artist students from classes found great encouragement in seeing their work chosen and dedicated to others. Many dedications were accompanied by heartfelt messages, commemorating babies, children, parents, and other loved ones.

For over five years, Helen has sought an appropriate venue to exhibit the collected works. Many thanks to Wexford Arts Centre for  giving us a venue to exhibit the collection of works for the first time. The search for a permanent home for these meaningful artworks continues.