The physio tables and exercise equipment were moved to the side for the weekend and replaced by paintings, glasswork, ceramics and jewellery as the Chilterns MS Centre transformed itself into a pop-up art exhibition to help raise money for the Wendover-based charity.
The annual exhibition had to be cancelled in 2021 due to Covid but, now restrictions have eased, the charity was able to open its doors once again and welcome people in.
Almost 1,500 people attended the exhibition which featured 90 different painters, jewellers, potters, and ceramists displaying almost 750 pieces of art. Afterwards visitors could relax with a slice of one of the many delicious homemade cakes that had been donated.
The exhibition began with a special preview evening on the Friday night attended by many high profile figures including Rob Butler MP; Cllr Zahir Mohammed, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council; George Anson, High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire; Cllr Christopher Townsend, Tring Town Mayor; and Chris Williams, Chair of Trustees at the Clare Foundation which sponsored the event.
In total the charity raised over £16,000 which will be used to support people living with multiple sclerosis.
“This is such a fantastic event for us, not least because it helps raise money that goes towards our vital work,” said Stella Kubale, Head of Fundraising at the Chilterns MS Centre. “It is also a terrific opportunity to invite people into our facilities and raise the profile of what we do.”
Over the years, the annual exhibition has raised almost £150,000 to help the Centre to provide physical, practical and emotional support to people with MS and their families. The services are free to those affected by MS and so events like the Art Weekend provide the vital funds the Centre needs to keep supporting the MS community in the Chilterns and the surrounding counties.