moss free clinic benefit at sammy t’s

Benefit Art Sale

continues at Sammy t’s

By Lou Gramann

at her Canal Quarter studio three years ago. As she paints she recalls her art training in Ukraine. She is "recovering" those lessons and techniques, she says, while "discovering" new ways of expression.

Eastman adds that she is grateful for the community support evident at the October fxbg4Ukraine fundraiser at the library. (Front Porch, September 2022) The turnout overwhelmed her, and she met so many people who care about her home country.

Those funds are already helping relief groups currently active in Ukraine. Like many contributors, Wayne Russell of Art First is happy to help again. He knows the importance of healthcare and tells of a recent Alzheimer's Walk with his daughter and grandchildren. A deep purple t-shirt echoes his use of intense color and deliberately bold lines.

Chuck Fromer at LibertyTown Arts Workshop is a fourtime contributor and talks about his painting of the Ferry Farm replica home. He finds that reading history gives him more context when painting Fredericksburg landmarks, and refers to George Washington's early years with his mother on the farm. Mary Washington managed Ferry Farm after her husband's death, and life was not as idyllic as modern paintings suggest. They lived in the midst of "all the hubbub at the ferry landing," Fromer says sympathetically, "sometimes with strangers walking around in their house."

Also at LibertyTown, Bill Harris encourages participation in the benefit shows, hangs the show, and provides invaluable advice. He is a crucial part of the team producing the events. Mary Szymanski, Joann Berniau and Beatrice Ozols are among his participating students. Ozols' paper mache mask is one of the surprising delights of the event.

Artists from Brush Strokes Gallery, Darbytown Arts Studio, Fredericksburg Photography Club, and the Fredericksburg Spinners and Weavers all contribute to these benefit shows. Some of the artists mention friends or family who found help at the Clinic, so they feel a personal connection to its mission.

Moss Free Clinic provides healthcare for uninsured adults (1,171 individuals in 2021), some of whom lost jobs and medical benefits during the COVID pandemic. A quick check at mossfreeclinic.org shows a patientoriented homepage that begins with "Am I

Chuck Fromer in his studio

In this season of sharing, more than 40 local artists want to share good health with the patients at Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic via the 4th Benefit Art Sale at Sammy T' s Restaurant.

The show runs through the end of January. Buyers can choose artwork and immediately take home paintings, prints, photographs or textiles, with 100% of the price going directly to the Clinic. Each $1 raised translates to $15 of care.

The show strives for variety. Artist Karen Bane specializes in delicate watercolors of birds. Unless, she smiles, whimsey takes over her thoughts to produce a cat that dreams of eating those very birds. Bane is a new artist at Canal Quarter Arts but not a newcomer to Fredericksburg. She owned the Silver Spidergift shop on Caroline Street before retiring to South Carolina five years ago. Now back in town, Bane notes that "artists often just have to paint," so donations give her efforts an outlet.

Marina Eastman enjoys painting local scenes like Curtis Park. She donates because she hopes that "everybody will have access to healthcare, and to have health - equally." Eastman began painting “Viking Mask” , Beatrice Ozols Eligible?"

Professional staff and volunteers together serve an increasing number of people, and more volunteers are needed. Andrea SpringerCollins is the Volunteer Coordinator for anyone with medical or non-medical skills.

"The decision to volunteer requires a heart for service," she declares by email. "The Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic

“Amy Winehouse ” , Wayne Russell

needs licensed volunteer providers (specifically PA, MD, NP, DDS, RDH, Pharm D/RPH's) to help increase patient access to our medical services."

Springer Collins is grateful that local artists can draw support for the work of the Clinic.

Lou Gramann co-coordinates this project with artist Eileen Carson

Lloyd F. Moss Free Clinic 4th Benefit Art Sale at Sammy T' s Restaurant. Thru end of January