<< BACK

February 1, 2007

MEDIA RELEASE

Cornwall cancer fundraiser asks, “When do a bra and a tie go together?”

Ottawa – Indulge in the succulent colours, impeccable composition and imaginative design of Catherine Gutsche’s TIE art and support Eastern Ontario cancer survivors by purchasing a raffle ticket to win a unique TIE and bra creation.

Gutsche’s painting is among 60 original works on display at Sears Cornwall, lower level in the accessory department, February 1-11, as part of an eye-popping Bra Project fundraiser and silent auction. And it is one of only three dazzling contributions scheduled to be raffled off at the Cow Pie Theatre’s Odd Couple production, February 1-18, at the Cornwall Ramada Inn.

"A TIE and a bra might seem like an odd couple indeed, but they are intimately entwined as the disease of cancer is intimately entwined in the lives of not only the cancer survivor but her family, friends and her man,” explains Gutsche. “In my painting, I have incorporated a scrubby, a common household tool, as a prosthesis to indicate how unfortunately common this disease is and how tragically close to home it touches people. The person who will eventually own this work will, hopefully, replace the scrubby with an element or elements from their life that are as close to their heart as is the survivor they know."

Gutsche has attracted an international audience with her whimsical interpretations of ties. An often times sentimental piece of a man’s wardrobe, the ties in Gutsche’s paintings preserve memories; they evoke emotion, arouse curiosity, summon smiles. Her TIE technique has been applied to ties from the wardrobes of Max Keeping, the Ottawa Senators, a groom, a father…

“Although I have considered other apparel in my work, it is the tie that fascinates me. A small scrap of seemingly pointless fabric that for some appears to be completely useless, uncomfortable and a “pain in the neck,” holds a tremendous meaning to others,” says Gutsche. “Every tie has had a colourful life before it has become part of my painting.”

Silent auction bids will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 11. Afterwards, auctioneer Flora Dumouchel will host the much-anticipated “live” auction and grand finale.

The Bra Project is an initiative of Carefor Health & Community Services (formerly VON). Two-time cancer survivor, Adele Constantineau, and Terry Armstrong, Coordinator of Cancer Support Network at Carefor, delivered the beautifully decorated bras to Sears Cornwall Square on January 29. Residents from Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, and Ottawa designed the imaginative creations.

-30-

CONTACT:

Catherine Gutsche
613-839-1324
calico@storm.ca
www.catherinegutsche.com

Author:

Karen Secord
karensecordwrites@sympatico.ca