'Some hugs and some paint': Local artists rally around painter after fire destroys artwork
A local artist is starting from scratch after a fire burnt down his garage with his supplies and artwork inside.
Luckily, rebuilding and rebounding won't be as hard for painter and illustrator Jared Robinson after an outpouring of support from the art community.
Twenty original paintings and more than 300 prints were destroyed when Robinson's garage went up in flames on May 25.
Robinson said he was shocked when police told him the fire was connected to a series of arsons in the Westmount Neighbourhood.
“It guts you," he said. "And it also kind of gives you that feeling of violation almost like someone breaking into your house.”
For more than seven years, Robinson has been involved with the Night of Artists Gallery in Bonnie Doon Mall. It's a close-knit community of people who share a passion for art, and founder Phil Alain said they wanted to help.
“It was devastating to see the losses that he had," Alain said. "And he said, "All I really care about is if I maybe get some hugs and some paint.'
"I said 'Well, you need more than that.'”
Painter and illustrator Jared Robinson brought the only painting to survive a fire to his art show fundraiser on Saturday. (Marek Tkach/CTV News Edmonton)
Alain knows what it's like to need some support, and Saturday the Night of Artists Gallery held an all-day fundraiser for Robinson.
“Four years ago I lost my wife to cancer and the whole art community just surrounded me and I know how amazing that feeling is," Alain said. "Jared is just such a warm loving guy, I knew I just had to do something to help him out.”
Robinson's own work took centre stage at the event, and alongside his most recent pieces, hung the only artwork to survive the fire.
“They threw me this show and said you know what, we're going to highlight you and we'll see if we can get some other people to kind of help encourage and support and it's been huge," Robinson said.
A GoFundMe set up for Robinson had also raised around $3,200.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.