Hi, I'm Coen
I’ve made 9 canvases, 45 signed prints, and postcards for an exhibition and silent auction on 3 September 2023 at West Kirby Bookshop.
This is to raise money in aid of the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA). My little brother, Cormac, was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate.
I love my little brother. I was so excited when I knew I was going to be a big brother. I wasn't sure what to expect when I found out about his cleft but when he came I loved him more.
Everyday, 3 babies are born with a cleft in the UK or Australia. It can impact on feeding, speech, hearing, teeth and more.
Like many babies, Cormac had his first surgery at 4 months old. He's due for another in September.
CLAPA was there from the moment my mum and dad found out about his cleft. CLAPA gave us reassurance, information, access to support groups, and a welcome pack- it's such an amazing charity. It's the only UK supplier of specialist bottles and teats for babies born with a cleft. They are even there for kids as they become adults and their needs change.
One day, I started drawing abstract pictures of sunsets. I liked the patterns, colours, and shapes. The sun always comes up or goes down. It can make you smile. The sun is for everyone.
I thought these drawings would be awesome as paintings, so I used the sketches to create the canvases and painted them with acrylic paints.
The exhibition will be a silent auction so you can bid on a canvas. My friends and family overseas might like to bid online or to purchase a signed print or postcard. You might just like to make a donation to CLAPA.
I hope you will consider making a donation, or purchasing a canvas, print, or postcard to help the cause.
Whether you are in a position to donate money or not I would really appreciate any support. Seeing your name as part of the purchasers or donators would be awesome.
Even if you can't attend the exhibition you can still be a part of the event. You can email me and tell me which is your favourite canvas.
Cleft Lip & Palate Association is a voluntary organisation, please help me in my efforts to support it.
We are all unique. We all live together under the same sun.
Love Coen x
Click HERE to visit my Collctiv page and feel free to share with others who you think may want to contribute.
You can see photos of the work in progress on my Instagram @coenholt where you can get in touch with my page or directly to my mum @marissalooby or dad @mah2218 who look after my page! Check out @clapacommunity.
