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the Allure of Alia

Bittersweet Gallery presents the Allure of AliA
2nd annual event in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada

For the 2nd year in a row Bittersweet Gallery in Burnstown will showcase the popular designs of Montreal designer Anne Marie Chagnon as a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada. The event will feature a spring trunk show of Chagnon’s latest collection called AliA and will include some limited edition designs. The gallery has represented the artist since it's conception in year 2000 and boasts the largest collection of the jeweller's work outside of Quebec.
The artist's work is quite remarkable in that every year she designs a completely new and dynamic collection that always evokes her distinctive style.

Anne Marie Chagnon describes the inspiration for her latest work AliA:
"Alliance of nature and humans. AliA life, a heart; a bud; a drop; the wind that stirs movement. Ornaments that enliven, awaken, sometimes defy the lines, like a pathway that conveys us to another perspective. AliA a new world, a contemporary and unexplored land, where recollections burst forth and flirt with the roaring twenties, art deco, and retro-European."

The "Allure of AliA" marks the 2nd event hosted by the gallery in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada and the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope to help raise awareness of the foundation’s goals and objectives. The gallery will donate 10 % of all Chagnon sales that day to the Walk of Hope.

At last year’s event, gallery owner Cheryl Babineau created candles made by filling empty eggshells with soy and bees wax. The luminous eggs were so well received that they will again be given as an exclusive gift for those who donate, sponsor or purchase at the event. The egg represents a symbol of fertility, hope, love and the fragility of life.

Burnstown resident Denyse Campeau, National Director of Development for Ovarian Cancer Canada & National Capital Region Walk of Hope co-chair Lynn Griffiths will be on hand to answer questions and raise awareness of the foundation’s goals and objectives. In the spirit of the event Taste Funatic chef Gunnar Guckes of Grassy Bay Getaway, Calabogie will create delectable gourmet hors d’oeuvre for the occasion. There will also be a draw to win an exquisite Chagnon piece.  The event will also showcase many new works of it's stable of artists and will also introduce several exciting new ones.

Ovarian Cancer Canada - some alarming statistics:

Of the 2,600 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in Canada, 70% will not survive five years.  With vague symptoms and no early detection test, ovarian cancer is Canada's most fatal women's cancer. Tragically, it takes the lives of too many of our mothers, sisters and daughters each year, devastating families in its wake.

A recent survey of Canadian researchers in the field of ovarian cancer concluded that $10 million is needed to make significant strides towards a reliable early screening test, improved treatments, and enhancing the quality of life for women living with this disease. Yet a recent study by Charity Intelligence Canada shows that only 2.1% of Canadian donations for cancer are directed at ovarian cancer.

Research is the only means to overcoming ovarian cancer, but we also need to continue supporting women living with the disease and their families, as well as providing education and awareness for the general public and health care professionals. Unlike so many other causes, the work of Ovarian Cancer Canada is not duplicated by any other group - their work to overcome ovarian cancer and the attention they are now giving to the other gynecological cancers, is unique in Canada.

Together we can give hope to women living with ovarian cancer, hope to their families and loved ones, and hope to all the women in Canada who could potentially face this devastating disease. Together we can dedicate ourselves to the prevention and elimination of ovarian cancer.

Cheryl also plans to form a team for mini 2.5 and 5k satellite walk that incorporates the use of the labyrinth that is cut into in the lawn at Bittersweet. The rural setting and meditative pattern of the labyrinth will provide a unique, fun and intimate environment for such a walk. If you wish to help you can join her team “ The Burnstown Bittersweets” to help raise awareness and fundraise by walking the Labyrinth on Leckie Lane. With enough interest or sponsors the labyrinth walk could evolve to become a Burnstown/Ottawa Valley Region Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope. If you are interested contact Cheryl by email at bittersweetartandcraft@gmail.com

As incentives team member's names will be entered in a draw to win door prizes
donated by gallery artists and members of the community.

Furthermore sculptor Richard Gill will donate a relief sculpture for the leading team member who raises the most funds. (Richard lost his mother and two sisters to cancer and has other family at high risk) The team will walk the labyrinth on Leckie Lane in Burnstown on Sunday, Sept. 8 coinciding with the National Capital Walk of Hope in Ottawa. To join Cheryl’s team or to sponsor the team or a member search for The Burnstown Bittersweets at ovariancancerwalkofhope.ca where more details of the walk and the labyrinth will appear as plans evolve. You will also see updates www.burnstown.ca/bittersweet/events.

In the meantime The Allure of AliA opens at Bittersweet Gallery on June 8, 11 to 5 at 5 Leckie Lane in Burnstown. The labyrinth that day will also be open to visitors to explore as a walking site.

For more details call tel: 613-432-5254 day or tel: 613-433-9990


Richard Gill
 |  Bittersweet Gallery  |  Events  |  Annual Fall Show  |  Directions  |  Contact  |  Press