Local woman donating art supplies to fire victims

MERRITT – One local woman, who has been collecting donations of arts supplies or money for fire victims, will be getting her chance to give them to those in need.

“My goal is to actually help get art supplies back in the hands of the artists, from Lytton and the Fraser Canyon area, that have lost access to being able to produce art,” said Chelsea Werrun.

On June 16th, Chelsea Werrun received funding through the Neighbourhood Small Grants project, that kicked off her journey to collecting as much as she could.

“So what I did was actually made a little Facebook group called ‘Art to Artists’ and I also applied for a grant and I got $500. I’ve just been buying supplies and I’ve been doing outreach with whoever may have supplies that may be interested in donating it.”

The next step Werrun said is going to donate the materials she has gathered.

“I plan to go to the Lytton River Festival which is open to the public on September 24 and 25 at the Stein Valley School and I’m going to distribute all the supplies there. So I have been reaching out and receiving many messages from various folks that live in the Lytton and Fraser Canyon area.”

Even though she is making a trip to the festival to hand out the art supplies, she said this project is far from over.

“I have a massive supply and wants list for carvers, beaders, visual artists, and fiber artists. I am just looking for folks that might be willing to donate or contribute in any way they can.”

In order to learn more or make a donation, residents can find Werrun on Facebook at Art to Artists or send her an email at nvhelps@outlook.com.