A Maple Ridge artist-in-residence has teamed up with the Maple Ridge Community Foundation to celebrate the foundation’s 50th anniversary.
Artist Alex Neff is behind the “Give Where You Live 50th Anniversary” design on hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatshirts currently on sale on the foundation’s website.
Neff is a primarily a portrait artist who works in pen and ink.
“I think it’s important for local artists to be part of community milestones. They help preserve that special moment with a lot of time, effort, and love,” said Neff in a video posted online.
Neff explained how they wanted to showcase not only the history of Maple Ridge, but also the present community – and that, the artist noted, doesn’t only involve people and what they do, but also the spaces in the community people utilize and the nature surrounding them.
“I wanted to represent Maple Ridge in a way that anyone engaging with the artwork could say, ‘Hey, I’ve been here,’ or, ‘Hey, I’ve seen this, I’ve connected with this part of nature.’ I really wanted to make sure there was enough diversity in the illustration that it was, it was very accessible. And I hope that people get a full sense for what this community has to offer,” they said.
The community foundation is an independent charitable organization through which donors and community partners, provide funding and support to local non-profits and charities in Maple Ridge.
President Kevin Nosworthy is asking community members who purchase a shirt to tag the community foundation in a photo to help spread the word.
Net proceeds from sales will be going towards supporting local programs, services, and initiatives in the community.
To purchase merchandise or for more information go to: https://mrcf.ca/shop/