TOP Eastern Cape artists have pledged their work, hoping to raise much- needed funds for an animal shelter in Port Elizabeth.

The auction, which starts at noon next Saturday, February 13, will be held at the Epsac Gallery in Bird Street, Central.

Among the artists whose work will go on auction are Anthony Harris, Sue Hoppe, Greg Kerr, Janice Mendelewits and Coral Landau.

Artist Lez Dor, who initiated the project, said the idea was sparked by an e-mail from a Johannesburg-based animal organisation that was in need of funds.

“I called them and found out they did not have a PE branch. I thought I’d rather donate my funds to a local organisation, so I contacted the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL).

“I then sent off e-mails to other artists and the first to donate a painting was Greg Kerr. After the first few e-mails had been sent artist were pledging and work were flying in.”

She said a large number of pets were always abandoned in the Bay over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Dor, who is also the chairman of the local branch of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa), was busy participating in a workshop hosted by Greg Kerr earlier this week, when Weekend Post caught up with her.

Her own artwork focuses on landscape painting in which she explores the relationship between man and land.

She said the auction would create a “win-win situation for the shelter and the artists”.

“The artists will recover their costs by retaining 40% of sales while 60% will be donated to the AACL.”

Kerr, a former art professor from Stellenbosch University, said being an animal lover himself prompted him to come on board when he heard about the auction.

He will donate a painting of his “most lekker” dog, Chloe, which he described as an “emotional” piece.

“We lived on a plot where there were horses and she loved to run with the horses. Unfortunately a horse trampled her and she died,” he said.

He said the auction meant “people would get something in return instead of just donating money ”.

Dor encouraged the community and businesses to support the fundraiser, and said if it was a success it could become a quarterly event.

For more information, contact Lez Dor on 084-7997777.