Bradford resident Melanie Speer knows COVID-19 has been difficult for many fundraising organizations this year, especially the Royal Canadian Legion who haven't been able to host many of their events or campaign for poppies in-person.
To help, she has decided to put her artistic talents to good use, creating a limited edition print series titled 'Memories'.
"With COVID hitting everyone so hard, I knew our local Legions were struggling; I wanted to help out in any way I could," she said. "Art is my passion, so I wanted to make something beautiful and meaningful."
There are a total of 40 prints available for a donation of $30, with all proceeds going to the Royal Canadian Legion Bradford Branch.
Every person who purchases a print will also be put into a special surprise draw.
Each print is hand-carved with an original lino block stamp and hand-printed on a 5.5x8.5 inch cold press watercolour paper.
"As it is hand-printed, each one is unique, one of a kind, as there may be very small variations in placement and colour," she said.
Speer was inspired to create the prints as many of her family members have served.
Her grandfather was in the Air Force, as well as his sister. Her father was a tank driver in the army and her aunt recently retired from the Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Her cousin's husband currently serves as a loadmaster.
"As you can tell, we are big supporters of our country's veterans," she said.
Speer is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) and has a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration. She and her husband moved to Bradford this past February.
Anyone interested in purchasing a print can email Banks directly at [email protected]
