A painter has organised a fundraiser to win a painting of Salford Lads Club to raise money for the club’s campaign to stay open.
Artist Ben Rock, otherwise known as SketchMCR, has produced an oil painting of Salford Lads Club to raise money for the youth club which needs £250,000 to stay open.
The painting is of the building itself, and took the artist 12 hours to produce, with the aim to reflect a typical Salford day.
The artwork has already seen six donations with the figure currently standing at £90 but the goal of the fundraiser is to raise up to £1000.
Ben said he will choose “one lucky winner” out of the supporters at the end of November to own the painting.
He said: “I painted the Lads Club in watercolors and ink before lockdown and it was my most sold print, so when I was asked to paint the iconic Salford Lads Club again, to help raise funds I jumped at the chance.
“I’ve been wanting to paint it in oil paints ever since I started the first painting.”
Ben was inspired by a typical day in Salford, reflected through a puddle, with vibrant colours and reflections that bring the scene to life.
He discussed his personal connection to the club, having met Oasis drummer, Tony McCarroll, at an Oasis exhibition at the club recently.
It was clear that it was his love for music that ignited his support for the club, saying: “I love The Smiths and when I first moved to Manchester 10 years ago it was a place I always wanted to visit.
“It’s important to keep community clubs open by giving support and help to young kids and the Manchester community space to grow and bring people together. ”
Salford Lads Club reacted to the support from Ben and his ‘stunning painting’ saying:
“This beautiful piece captures the essence of a typical day in Salford, with vibrant reflections and colours that bring the building to life.
“We’re grateful to Ben for using his talent to support the club and we’d love to see this painting go to a new home while raising as much as possible to continue our work.”
They spoke about the benefits of the ‘invaluable support’ to the club and how it affects them, adding: “It not only helps us financially, allowing us to continue providing vital services, but it also raises awareness of the club’s mission and heritage.
“The funds raised ensure we can maintain our building, run youth programmes and create a safe, nurturing environment where young people can develop new skills, make friends and find their passions.
“Beyond the financial impact, where local artists, businesses and supporters come together, it strengths the sense of community and highlights the club’s importance as a cultural and historical landmark.
“It sends a message that preserving spaces like ours is a collective effort and that the community believes in the future of the young people we serve.“
The painting fundraiser can be accessed here while the main fundraiser can be found here.
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