LifestyleArtsPhotogruzzi exhibition raises over $4000

Photogruzzi exhibition raises over $4000

Bundaberg’s Photogruzzi exhibition
The Graham family donate the funds raised from the late David Graham’s exhibition to charity StandBy

Bundaberg Regional Galleries’ Photogruzzi exhibition held earlier this year has raised thousands of dollars for charity, StandBy.

The exhibition, which was held at BRAG in February, collected more than $4400 from the sale of the late David “Gruzzi” Graham’s much-loved art prints, which his family donated to the suicide support charity.

David’s wife Wendy Graham said they were overwhelmed by the support from the community in helping to raise funds for an important service.

“The community has supported us so well with this fundraiser,” Ms Graham said.

“StandBy is going to be able to help local families as we are ensuring that the funds stay within the local community to support others.

“While there are a lot of supports out there that are preventative, which is important, but to also have the support afterwards is vital and it has been really appreciated that StandBy have been able to provide that support to us in many different ways.”

David’s daughter Pia Shorten said the family were very thankful to all the members of the community who had visited the exhibition and purchased his works.

“Thank you to the community as they are the ones who made the donations possible and put the money towards buying the photographs,” Ms Shorten said.

“Everyone who has come and visited and supported the gallery are the ones who have made it possible.”

Mark Hennessey from StandBy said the funds would help to provide different services including weekly groceries, cleaning or even transport to those in need.

“The donation will support families impacted by suicide and in a lot of cases the person the lose is the main person bringing the income into the family,” Mr Hennessey said.

“This money will help those families with things like some food for that week, it can also help with cleaning or with transport which are all the little things that a family need when going through the grief.”

Pia Shorten and Wendy Graham with David Graham’s (Photogruzzi) artwork.

Bundaberg Regional Galleries Director Rebecca McDuff said the opportunity to support the family of David, who gave so much to the gallery, was one that they felt privileged to have.

“This was a very special exhibition for Bundaberg Regional Galleries, as not only was Dave Graham an amazing photographer in our region, but he was also a valued part of our gallery volunteer team,” Ms McDuff said.

“To be able to work with the Graham family to curate the Photogruzzi exhibition was an absolute honour, and it was an exhibition that holds a special place in our heart.”

She said the exhibition proved very popular within the community which was a credit to talented pieces of artwork David produced.

“The exhibition had over 1800 visitors in its six-week run and visitors were moved by the intensity of Dave’s artworks and the unique way that he captured his subjects,” Ms McDuff said.

“The popularity of the exhibition is reflected in the level of artwork sales that were made and the final donation to StandBy.

The exhibition showcased photos from his street photography to his Cosplay images, through to his intimate portraits of nature, Gruzzi’s interaction with his subjects and his ability to capture the moment were celebrated.

If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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