Yellowhammer Portraits Are Framing Success

Two local cancer charities, the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) and Friends of the Cancer Centre, have announced a unique fundraising initiative - the opportunity to buy a highly collectable piece of art by acclaimed Irish artist, Nicola Russell, while making a significant contribution to the work of both charities.

Nicola, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, has produced a beautiful oil painting of a Yellowhammer, a threatened Irish bird species.

From this painting a limited number of high quality prints, all personally signed by the artist, have been produced and will be available for sale on the evening of Tuesday 22nd September following a preview at the Ulster Museum.

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals & Marketing, UCF explained: "We are thrilled that Nicola has produced the limited edition prints exclusively for us.

"This is a fabulous opportunity to invest in artwork, from an internationally acclaimed artist, which directly supports the work of UCF and the Friends of the Cancer Centre.

"Nicola's work has been commended by many high-profile patrons including former US President Bill Clinton, the Queen, George Mitchell and JP McManus. We are delighted to offer art-lovers the opportunity to purchase their own piece of art at an incredibly affordable price," she said.

"As there is a limited print run of just 250 we are expecting demand to outstrip supply and so we are offering supporters and art-lovers alike the opportunity to register an expression of interest before the prints go on general release."

Explaining the inspiration behind the artwork Nicola said: "I had just finished my treatment for breast cancer and felt a real creative urge to do a study of Irish birds, particularly those most at risk and endangered.

"The Yellowhammer was one of the first paintings I completed on my road to recovery and to me it epitomises a sense of hope and positivity. It made me smile at the sheer joy of being alive!

"I was very fortunate to receive excellent care and support from both the Ulster Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Centre. Dorothy Smallwoods, my counsellor at the Ulster Cancer Foundation, who sadly passed away last year, was a real lifeline and so this is my chance to say thank you for all the help I received.

"I'm so aware that both charities rely on donations from the public to ensure that they can continue to provide their services so my aim is to show my support from the sale of my limited edition prints," she said.

(BMcC/GK)