Paint the Slate (2013)

Paint the Slate (2013)

The Paint-the-Slate project was initiated in 2012 and was based on a fundraiser model that had been used by

an Anglican Church in Goderich, Ontario a few years prior. The first committee meeting to advance the project

at our church was held in January 2013 when Agneta Dolman, Doug Dolman, Al Herrington, Nick Huizenga,

Chris MacKay, John MacKay (Chair), and Peter Wroe came together. In the fall of 2013, Joan Turner assisted

Carol Morton with computerized data entry, and Marjorie and Art Frankel managed the running of the silent

auction at the art sale.

The premise of the project was that the committee would sell slates (provided by the church’s roofing

company Roof Tile Management) to the members of the congregation who would paint the slates and return

them to the committee members. Painted slates would then be auctioned off and the proceeds given to

Metropolitan United. Large slates (10” x 19”) sold for $10 and small slates sold for $5.

Painting classes were offered to those who were interested. Classes took place in 2013 on April 6, April 20, and

October 19. Agneta, Doug and Peter provided guidance to novice artists.

The slates were collected in late October. Each one was given a title (if one had not been provided by the

artist), the titles were entered into a computerized spreadsheet, and each slate was painted with a sealant to

prevent damage to the painted surface.

Approximately 30 painted slates were entered into the live auction at the Art Gala on November 16, 2013. Bill

Brady acted as auctioneer. The remaining unsold painted slates were sold in the silent auction. Every one of

the more than 100 slates was sold. The project raised over $10,000 for the church.