Money made by auctioning off Altrincham’s Trooping the Corgis sculptures is being used to support a Ukrainian refugee artist in the town.
The Trooping the Corgis exhibition, which was organised by Altrincham BID in partnership with Inch Arts, saw artists, community groups and schools decorate the life-sized corgis in a remarkable array of styles.
The dogs were then auctioned off, raising an incredible £32,500 to support community art projects in the town.
Altrincham Society of Artists had decorated one of the corgis, ‘Sugar Lump’, which was displayed in The Cheshire Tap throughout June.
The funds raised by Sugar Lump’s sale at the auction are now being used to provide Maria Myktiuk, a professional watercolour painter from Kyiv, with art materials and membership of the society.
Jane Fraser, from the society, said: “There is a thriving art scene in Ukraine, and we thought that some of these artists might be arriving in the UK with no art materials, funds or contacts to pursue their art.
“We put out a notice through South Trafford Welcomes, and immediately got a reply. So, we have already recruited our first Ukrainian artist, a wonderful professional watercolour painter called Maria Myktiuk.
“We are sure that she will be an asset to the Society and as much of a help to us, as we are to her. And all thanks to Trooping the Corgis!”
Maria was evacuated from the Ukraine in the spring after Russia launched its unprovoked war.
Mandy White, BID Manager for Altrincham, added: “One of the key objectives of the project was to create a legacy to support community arts projects and the artists and groups involved.
“We are absolutely thrilled that Altrincham Society of Artists have chosen to support Maria with the funds raised through the sale of ‘Sugar Lump’.”
