Union Grove

‘Inspired by Ryan’ Fair seeks artist donations

by Julie Rossman

Correspondent

The Fourth Annual Inspired by Ryan Arts Fair is coming to the Union Grove Elementary School gymnasium on Saturday, March 28. Event coordinators are currently looking for donations from local artists to be sold at the event, with all proceeds going to the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).

The arts fair is inspired by Ryan Luxem, an 11-year-old Union Grove boy who lost his battle with leukemia in 2010. According to a press release, during his battle with leukemia, Ryan endured intensive chemotherapy, radiation, and two bone marrow transplants. He also inspired many with his strength, faith and compassion for others. He enjoyed art and often spent time working with a variety of mediums of art including painting, molding, and drawing. He was most well-known for his talent in origami, and sold hundreds of origami pieces to raise money for the MACC Fund and related blood disorder research.

The Inspired by Ryan Arts Fair was born four years ago to honor Ryan’s legacy and his wishes, by continuing to raise money for the MACC Fund. Organized by Ryan’s parents, Matt and Amy Luxem, Union Grove, along with a group of friends, the event keeps growing every year.

The Inspired by Ryan Arts Fair typically includes arts and crafts from donors of all ages, and range in price from a dollar and up. Past items for sale have included everything from home made cards, to duct tape wallets to fine art paintings; in addition to jewelry, pottery, clay items, photography, scarves, mittens, hats, blankets, pillows and more.

Artists who donate may include a statement with their donation telling how a child/teenager with cancer, or their story has inspired the piece of art they have created or how he/she has impacted their life. These statements will be on display with the items.

If you go:

• Inspired by Ryan Arts Fair,

• Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

• Union Grove Elementary School, 1745 Milldrum St.

 If you donate:

• Please drop off items at Union Grove Elementary School, 1745 Milldrum St., Union Grove or Wilmot Union High School, 11112 308th Ave., Wilmot, by Saturday, March 7.

• For more information, to volunteer, or to make arrangements to have your item picked up, contact Debbie Rueber at (262) 880-0464; email the committee at [email protected]; or visit the Inspired by Ryan website, http://inspiredbyryan.webs.com

 

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