An exercise in art | Gold Coast News | Local News in Gold Coast

Artist Tracie Worth with Karen Lyall and winner of the fundraiser artwork Trish Gearie.

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FUNDRAISING can be a tough gig, but one Gold Coaster proved it can be a piece of art.

Tracie Worth, a registered Cancer Council Queensland fundraiser, donated an art canvas and paint to her local gym for members to make their own artwork.

“It was about getting together and raising awareness of the need for regular checks,” Ms Worth said.

“In late November I put the art canvas in the gym and we painted it throughout November and December.

“My sister, Lindie went to the doctor for a gallstone in December and had been very sick.

“She had an ultrasound and it turned out she had aggressive cancer through her body.”

Ms Worth said her sister’s cancer was inoperable by the time she was diagnosed.

“She was told she would pass away before Christmas,” she said.

“She left three children all in their late 20s who, she was only 51.

“As soon as I found out I booked myself in for a body scan, which came back all clear.

“People need to get themselves checked regularly to stay on top of these things.”

Ms Worth said the collaborative art project took a while to get going.

“Some of the women were so scared, they were like little children,” she said.

“Some women said things like ‘I can’t even draw a stick man’ or ‘I will ruin it’ and they just didn’t have the confidence.

“I started it off with a poodle because I always like painting a poodle and then we started with the background and then trees and flowers.

“One lady went home and drew a flower on paper and brought it in to use it as a template on the painting.

“Over time it was finished little by little and about 20 worked on the art canvas in the end.”

“All the ladies knew I was losing my sister at the time so it was a good way to talk through it and raise awareness.

“I think it helped me express myself as a way to come to terms with what was happening.”

Ms Worth said once the art work was finished it was raffled off to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Although the amount raised was still being counted this week, Ms Worth said the winner of the artwork was delighted.

Ms Worth said the fundraiser had prompted several women to get check ups.

“My sister went in to the doctor for a gallstone, not to check for cancer,” Ms Worth said.

She said her sister did not see the artwork as she lived in New South Wales and was too sick to travel before she died.