Last month I talked about “The Gift that Keeps On Giving” … a charitable initiative that supports the empowerment of both children and animals, in large part due to their connection to each other. Part of the initiative that I didn’t mention is the “Art of Animal Advocacy” online silent auction, which started on June 14 and runs until July 17. The auction features 7 of the 13 artists whose work is included in the 2027 “Art of Animal Advocacy” fundraising calendar. Each participating artist has authorized their painting/drawing to be sold, at a price they set, and are generously donating a percentage (if not all) of the proceeds from the sale to a charity of their choice.
Following is some information about each of the artists involved in the auction, their artwork, and their chosen charity:
David Bastedo
David is a man who wears many hats. He is a hairstylist, colour technician, and co-owner of Fresh Salon & Spa in Guelph, as well as a PSYCH-K facilitator and psychological kinesiologist. He has been creating since he was a child, and it still his “happy place” … the place he goes to find himself. His favourite type of art is abstract, but he also dabbles in realism. David finds his inspiration in things around him, and in his thoughts and dreams.
David painted a dragonfly, and his chosen charity is the Make a Wish Foundation.
Jane Bell
Jane drew before she could walk, and continued to draw and paint into her twenties, when she studied art at Western University. She found the experimentation with the “isms” of the 1950s and ‘60s to be exhilarating … but a creative block ensued for much of the next forty years. Then in 2018, she broke through by doodling and daubing for fifteen minutes a day for a month, and discovered persistence, resilience, and a mindfulness that supports curiosity, honesty and integrity.
Jane painted a crocodile, and her chosen charities are Overeaters Anonymous and Hospice Peterborough.
Jane’s Comments: This apex predator’s ancestors existed millions of years before the dinosaur. To me they seem as old as stones. Their eyes, framed by their pebbly skin, seek sustenance yet hold no intended malice. I hope this painting shows my reverence for the beauty and resilience of these amazing beings and their right to hold space on this earth.
Bo Davey
Growing up in Streetsville, Bo has always had a strong passion for nature and art. He pursued a career in corporate systems development, yet knew all along his purpose lived in his connection to art and nature. A series of life challenges and circumstances ultimately forced Bo to commit to his vision. Over the last 12 years Bo has validated his vision through a series of works creating a story of his own healing of mind, body and soul that continues to this day.
Bo painted a snow leopard, and his chosen charity is the Guelph Humane Society.
Bo’s Comments: I chose this subject because snow leopards have been a symbol of endangered wildlife for a long time. They represent so many things about nature… resilience, strength, nurturing, solitude, wisdom, beauty and so on. The painting itself is a reminder of a word I rarely hear anymore…. Ponder. It’s a reminder to slow down or to ponder circumstance or situations in our lives. Taking time in nature to reflect and go within is a valuable tool I have used my entire life and at great length. That mental process allows access to the truths we need to address any of life’s challenges.
Jane Finoro
Jane enjoyed an early life engaging in artistic discovery inspired by nature. Graduating with a fine art degree from the University of Guelph was followed by a number of exciting years working in post production film and animation in Toronto. Then, a return to Guelph to raise a family allowed Jane to re-engage more with natural environments and her art.
Jane drew a beaver with colour pencil on toned paper, and her supported charity is also the Guelph Humane Society.
Jane’s Comments: My charity of choice is the Guelph Humane Society because that is where I got my girl, Zada, who has since passed. My drawing was inspired by a photo from a book my adult daughter got out of the library. We had been intrigued by the beaver activity we noticed on our walks and both wanted to learn more about them.
Nathan Gatten
Nathan is an autistic artist from Fergus, Ontario. He has done various paintings of wolves and pets, and continues to expand his styles and subject matter. For about 15 years his family had a beloved and mischievous Shih-tzu dog named Jake, who was a major inspiration for his drawings of pets and compassion for animals. Nathan is always studying a wide variety of art to find inspiration for his work.
Nathan’s watercolour/marker illustration features two cats, and his chosen charity is Wellington Water Watchers.
Nathan’s Comments: A lot of my friends and extended family have owned cats, and they truly are beautiful and cozy and humorous creatures. I think they can be misunderstood and are actually quite intelligent and empathetic.
Gillian Joseph
Gillian’s work invites viewers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. For many years, she has explored the expressive possibilities of acrylic, watercolour, and charcoal, creating works that play with contrast, light, and feeling.
Gillian painted a sandhill crane, and her chosen charity is the Ontario Wildlife Foundation.
Gillian’s Comments: My painting attempts to capture the breathtaking beauty of a tall, thin sandhill crane as it flies toward a sunset. Sandhill Cranes are among Canada’s most remarkable birds. Nearly a century ago they were almost eliminated by hunting and habitat loss. However, now, with their graceful movements, ancient lineage (fossils date back millions of years), and distinctive trumpeting calls, Sandhill Cranes have become a symbol of Canada’s wetlands and open spaces. Through this project’s auction, I am proud to donate all proceeds of the sale of my painting in support of the Ontario Wildlife Foundation who work to protect wildlife and their natural heritage that makes Canada’s landscapes so unique.
Sherrie Milne
As an accomplished self-taught artist, Sherrie has a talent for capturing the essence and soul of people and animals through her artwork. She paints with her heart, hoping to bring a sense of comfort by keeping the memory of our loved ones alive. Sherie has recently started designing book covers and illustrations, in addition to other artwork, aura graphs, and spirit art.
Sherie painted a horse, and she has offered to donate the proceeds from this sale towards the production of a children’s book in support of an animal rescue or shelter.
Sherrie’s Comments: My painting represents The Year of the Horse (2026) according to the Chinese Zodiac. I am participating in this event to give back to the community, and because of my lifelong love of animals.
I am honoured that each of these accomplished artists is participating in the first-ever online auction, and have chosen to support such worthy organizations.
To access the auction, visit www.onethousandtrees.com/auction.
