Thirty-six years ago, Chris Bishop published a photography book entitled Haliburton Highlands.
But he could not have put that coffee table book out if not for the monetary support of local businesses.
Once the book was printed, Bishop had artist David Alexander Risk do original wildlife study sketches in some of them. These books were then given to the business people who had supported the creation and printing of the book.
Bishop still has two of these books with the sketches, and they are the inspiration for the fundraiser he is calling the Haliburton Highlands Arts Extravaganza.
He worked with the The Arts Council – Haliburton Highlands and identified 13 local artists to complete sketches and art in the 13 books he has left. These will be auctioned Oct. 19 as part of a fundraiser for diagnostic imaging equipment at Haliburton hospital.
The event will be held at Sir Sam’s and feature entertainment by Carl Dixon, highend appetizers, door prizes, silent and live auction.
It’s also where the winner of the online auction for an Ethel Curry painting will be announced. Brick House on Highlands Street, circa 1932, can be found on the HHHSF website.
Bishop said it all started as a simple idea of selling some raffle tickets over the summer when cottagers and tourists were in the Highlands. It has since morphed into a gala fundraiser. He said Dale Walker and Klara Oyler are working with him. His job is talking to the artists, collecting their work, getting door prizes and auction items.
In a room in his house, he has items piled up. He anticipates about 20 door prizes and 50 silent auction items. He pulls out one that will see Chris and Greg Bishop take four people on a fishing trip that includes overnight accommodation. “Chef Chris and sous chef Greg are going to cook your dinner and breakfast,” he says with a laugh. “So, that’s a unique item.” There are puzzles, made of memorabilia from 56 years at the ski hill, and produced by Michael Bainbridge and Brigitte Gall from The Occurrence. Greg Gillespie has carved a bird.
Bishop said the main event goes from 6-9 p.m. at the ski chalet. He said Foodland is providing the cheese and crackers, McFadden’s shrimp, and the Independent all the desserts. Sir Sam’s has donated the chalet space.
Following the silent auction, the Ethel Curry painting winning bid will be announced, then the art and books will be live auctioned by Gordon Cressy.
“This started out to be a $20,000-$30,000 fundraiser, but we’re hoping for $75,000$100,000,” Bishop said.
It’s a personal thing for him. “Especially as we get older. I know two people who have had CT scans already. if they couldn’t have done it in Haliburton, they had to get driven somewhere else. People are elderly and it’s complicated and it’s upsetting.” Even for x-rays, he said the diagnostic equipment at the hospital is outdated.
He added, “it’s going to help to attract more doctors to the County because of the specialized equipment.”
Bishop is unveiling the 13 artists on Facebook as he goes. So far, Mary Intven Wallace, Wendy Wood, Susan Hay, Sandy Slote, Harvey Walker, Lynda Moffatt, Terry Sullivan, Chuck Lewis, Robert Van Nood, Janet Trull and John Lennard have been announced.
“Everybody just realizes the value of what this equipment means to Haliburton,” Bishop said.
To get tickets, go to hhhs.ca/foundation.
