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Taking part in CelebriArt: Mayor brushes with his creative side

FREMANTLE Mayor Peter Tagliaferri is putting his art on the line - all in the name of a good cause.

The Mayor is one of many high-profile people taking part in CelebriArt, a celebrity art auction raising money for the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation.

Under the watchful eye of new Moores Building Contemporary Art Gallery exhibitions coordinator Richie Kuhaupt, the mayor mastered his strokes as he brought the canvas to life.

“While I took on the role of a painter, it seemed only fitting my subject was the Dockers, given the purple passion in our port city,” Mayor Tagliaferri said.

“Richie’s advice as mentor proved extremely helpful, as he does have a very discerning palette, and that allowed me to bring my idea to life.

“There’s no way I’d ever claim to be Picasso, Brett Whitely or even Pro Hart but, as Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue once said, I’m just doing it for the kids.

“Now I see why courses at the Fremantle Arts Centre are so popular; they give people a chance to express and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Mr Kuhaupt said that while the Mayor had no previous painting experience, he was glad to help him out.

“All he really needed was a guiding hand,” he said. “I asked him what he really wanted to paint and, as he’s passionate about the Dockers, we started from there.

“By selecting a sport motif, I believe it can also be read metaphorically as the canvas we paint with our hopes, desires and passions.

“I think the Mayor did a great job. I love it when people give art a go.”

In 2006, CelebriArt raised more $100,000 and this year will also feature art works from Alicia Gorey, Wippa from 92.9, Dennis Lillee, Tim Gossage, Hamish & Andy and many others.

The paintings will be exhibited and auctioned at the Hyatt on Friday, July 27, as part of a black-tie dinner.

Call the PHM Foundation on 9489 1100 or go to www.pmhfoundation.com for more information.