Hello all,
As we enter the joyous New Year, we look retrospectively at the positive moments that 2017 offered to us. One such moment was the Gatsby Christmas Charity Fundraiser, held here at the Oaktree clinic on the evening of the 1st of December. This was held with the aim of setting up a pro bono fund to subsidise our psychological and psychiatric services for young adults and children who have difficulties fulfilling the financial commitment of receiving care. Here at The Oaktree Clinic, we believe that every person has the right to high quality care, regardless of race, gender and socioeconomic status.
Attracting an attendance of approximately 80 people, along with the help of our generous guests, we raised a total of 1200GBP, a massive step towards helping our close-knit community. The efforts of the Oaktree staff resulted in a very successful raffle and auction. The selection of 7 different prizes in the raffle and multiple pieces of elegant artwork proved to be in high demand.
Alongside some lovely appetisers, we got the pleasure of listening to two very talented singers: Titine Lavoix and Rhea Deshpande. Drawing all the guests to one room with only their voices, their talents clearly encapsulated the attention of all the guests, singing various numbers from the early 20th century era.
Later on, after some more food and drinks, it seemed like the energy of the guests began to bubble over. The power of dance allowed everyone some release. Two instructors from Smooth Salsa Dance Company held an interactive Salsa workshop, a hit with the majority of the guests, by the end, could differentiate their right and left feet!
We would like to thank all the guests who attended and all who donated to help make this event a success. Also thanks to Dr Meetu Singh, Dr Minnie Joseph and the Oaktree staff for setting up and carrying out a successful event. Thanks should also go out to the plethora of companies, businesses and the two artists: Alexander Rhys, Patt, John Hill, Mezzo Company, Hair Boutique, and Sky Clinic who donated cash sums, vouchers, and artwork for the benefit of our cause.
Artist Biography
Pat Short: I design and create highly stylised, organic stoneware pieces. My work is influenced by my passion for the natural world and a desire to create pieces that reflect the beauty of forests, stream and oceans. I trained as a Cartographer and discovered clay later in life when I took some amazing classes at the Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham.
http://www.studiopottery.co.uk/profile/Pat/Short
Alexander Rhys:
Alexander Rhys is based between Birmingham and London, UK. His work has been sold and published in New York, London, Los Angeles ,Chicago and Amsterdam . Alexander Rhys studied Fine Art at Bath Spa University, UK, where he explored the role of Art in Therapy. His unique works manipulate acrylics with the aim to take the viewer on a journey of finding the ordinary, extraordinary. Rhys’ global and diverse clients include outdoor advertising giants Clear Channel and leading Kenyan hip-hop artist Octopizzio
Alexander Rhys launched his online gallery and store to provide the opportunity for people to enjoy and purchase his work. Alexander Rhys is proud to be supported by the Prince’s Trust. Alexander Rhys offers a bespoke commissioning service. If you find a piece of work on Instagram or in the Gallery that you would like to inspire a bespoke commission, please email hello@alexanderrhys.com.