Secret Art Show: York

Some of the paintings that will be in the exhibition

Pre-sale viewing: 7 - 13 November
Sales: 14 - 28 November

The Secret Art Show is an art exhibition with a difference, aiming to raise £10,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust and offering visitors to the York venue the chance to buy a very special piece of artwork for only £45.

The show will give visitors the opportunity to have a little fun and, with a keen eye, to buy a mini-masterpiece for only £45. All pieces of artwork measure 12cm x 12cm (the size of a CD case) and are being sold anonymously for the MS Trust. Each is signed on the back and only at the end of the three week show, when received by its new owner, will the identity of the artist be revealed.

Venue: York City Screen, 13-17 Coney Street, York, YO1 9QL.

Contact: Jill Holt, 25 Emperors Wharf, Skeldergate, York, YO1 6DQ

Email: jillholt@btinternet.com

Tel: 07979 725216

With over 600 originals to choose from, the collection includes work by well known international artists, who can command prices upwards of four figures, right through to aspiring students. Those not usually known for their artistic abilities - such as Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and playwright Alan Bennett - have also agreed to generously donate pieces to the show.

Themes, styles and media will be wide ranging - oils, watercolours, photography, acrylics, abstract, landscape, still-life - and include the humour of Neil Kerber of Private Eye and Wally Jex creator of "The Wrinklies". There will be work from John Langton, Malcolm Ludvigsen, Rob Kesseler, Emerson Mays, Mitra Memarzia, Ray Richardson, Sally Sheinman, Mackenzie Thorpe, Chris Wood, and so many more. Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, one of the Patrons of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust has also contributed a piece.

The ideal riverside venue at York City Screen, right in the centre of York, offers the opportunity to choose your artwork before enjoying a coffee or lunch in the café overlooking the River Ouse.

The show has been timed for the run-up to Christmas 2010 to offer a unique gift opportunity whilst benefiting the MS Trust. All artwork can be framed by a local professional picture framer. There are five different styles to choose from, with a percentage going to the MS Trust. Examples of the framing will be on display and all orders will be ready for collection before Christmas.

Public viewing: Sunday 7 - 13 November

Sale times: Sunday 14 November 9.30am - 5pm; Monday 15 - 28 November 11am - 5pm

On the sale days, sales will be on a strictly first come first served basis so potential buyers are advised to arrive early. After Sunday 14th, outside the sale times, people can also purchase artwork by credit card by contacting the organiser Jill Holt on 07979 725216. At the show, payment by cash or cheque will be much appreciated.

This is such a brilliant and original fundraising idea and we hope as many people as possible will come along and support the event.
Pam MacFarlane, MS Trust Chief Executive

In order for all the money to go to the Multiple Sclerosis Trust, the show has been generously supported by the following companies...

Main supporters: