Friends, and former students are coming together Sunday to celebrate artist Joe Collins.
McKenzie College President Dale Ritchie sayssays Collins was their artist in residence at the College and would teach individuals depending on their level.
“He would help them with their portfolios, and developing their own sense of style, and also he would do workshops and that type of thing for us,” says Ritchie. “But he worked really as our artist in residence for about 15 years.”
However he was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is unable to continue teaching.
Ritchie adds some of his former students are putting together a fundraiser to help Collins with his medical expenses.
Joe Collin’s Support for Family https://t.co/Ak0CvyPynq
— McKenzie College (@McKenzieCollege) November 29, 2016
“And there’s going to be some selected works that Joe has done over the years that will be available for the public to purchase,” says Ritchie. “But it’s really a celebration, Joe will hopefully be there, and greet everyone and see old friends from the years gone by.”
Ritchie says this is an opportunity to show appreciation for the work Collins has done throughout his life.
“People have had a tremendous opportunity to learn new things from Joe, and he’s so knowledgeable, and so gifted, and so patient with both young people and elderly and he bridged all generations,” says Ritchie.
The event is being held from 1 to 4 on Sunday in the main lobby of McKenzie College at 100 Cameron Street.
All members of the public are welcome to take part.
