The ghosth of Tapeley ..ArtMinerva and Gesar after the event..

24th of April brought new life to the magnificent Tapeley Mansion, when founders of ongoing art project Art Minerva, Magdalena Rutkowska and Blandine Martin held there latest fundraising event there.The project, was first conceived in April 2009 after the devastating earthquakes of the L’Aquila region which caused so much destruction and heartache…  ArtMinerva seeks to inspire art from the loss of art, so that art might renew itself.This was the third in a series of events, the first two being auctions held in London and Venice which saw many artists and community donating their art and services to raise a good amount of money towards rebuilding L’Aquila and were a great success.It seemed the odds were against the project this time however.  The volcano stranding many visitors who’d planned to travel from overseas for the event and a problem with the roof over the area planned for the auction itself prevented this part of the programme from going ahead.  Yet through this adversity the organizers which include the Gesar org. managed to still create a wonderful and memorable event. George Lenoudias was constantly glued to the phone and the computer during recent months  in order to help ArtMinerva with all event preparations. After warm welcome from Jennifer and Brian owners of the Yeoldon hotel the bunch of fundraiser passed the gate of  magical Tapeley. Hector Christie kindly waxed collection of his amazing antics for visitors  to seeThe day was warm and sunny and saw demonstrations from Honored guest, Portrait artist Barbara Hamilton and various art workshops by Magdalena and Blandine for adults and children alike.There was also a book stall offering a unique opportunity to buy “Winston &Jack”book signed by the Authors and historians Celia &John Lee.  A generous donation to help rise funds and accompanied perfectly the exhibition of portraits by artists entering the Churchill portrait prize.  Two judges were present for the exhibition and winners have been announced.The grand finale came with an amazing piano concert playing by Dorian Griner.This certainly was a highlight of the day not only due to the masterful playing of Dorian, but also as his playing breathed life into an antique original morrison at the mansion which had not been played at all for over 30 years. In fact it would have been left unplayed even still were it not for a local specialist, the only one in Devon who had the key for such an instrument to be unlocked and let its sound finally be heard again.  Almost symbolic of the charities aims of renewal.Overall, the day was a relative success with lots of fun had by all, and even though the auction itself was cancelled, the project still managed to raise some funds which will be distributed to various selected charities