NEWTON-TAB
Julie M. Cohen
Buying gifts, donating to charity and supporting local artists has become easier this holiday season with the Newton Art Association’s (NAA) Art Works for Good fundraiser.
More: Newton Art Association artwork on display at Newton Free Library
In order to raise funds for the Newton Food Pantry and Centre Street Food Pantry, 35 NAA members have created 140 pieces for the online Art Works for Good show. Half of the selling price will go to the food pantries while the other half goes to the artist.
Barbara Selwyn, NAA board member, offered further details on the exhibit and sale, which is running now through February 2022.Â
What inspired the Newton Art Association to start "Art Works for Good" last year?
The NAA started the Art Works for Good sale last year to help fight hunger – a problem exacerbated by the pandemic. Our members are offering their artworks at modest prices to do two things: to reduce hunger and to support the idea of original art in our community.
Why did the NAA decide to hold the fundraiser for the food pantries again this year?
NAA is stepping up again because we realize hunger is an ongoing problem, even in a city like Newton. Since the pandemic hit, there has been a dramatic increase in families dealing with food insecurity. The fundraiser is helping support the Newton Food Pantry and Centre Street Food Pantry. 
What are some reasons artists have given for this cause?
Art is such a powerful medium to connect people and to help instill change. Through their Art Work for Good program, NAA artists are helping to shine a light, and to raise funds, toward food insecurity.
Is this a tradition you think will continue each year? Why or why not?
As long as food insecurity is a major problem in Newton, the NAA will continue this fundraiser. In addition to raising much needed funds, this event can inform residents that there is an urgent need for people to donate to Newton’s food pantries.
To see the artworks visit https://newtonartassociation.com/product-category/art-works-for-good-2021/.