Art for Youth celebrates the quintessential English garden as the focal point for this year’s fundraising event in aid of UK Youth, who organise learning, adventure, and life-skills programmes for young people ages 6-24 in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. From 12 to 15 September 2016 at Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square (London), the collector can purchase paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and more from young artists as well as more established makers – with all proceeds going directly to UK Youth.

Poppy Chancellor, 'In England we dream of Gardens', 2016, paper cut. Image courtesy the artist.
Poppy Chancellor, ‘In England we dream of Gardens’, 2016, paper cut. Image courtesy the artist.

‘In England we dream of Gardens’

Now in its 29th year, Art for Youth London [AFYL] holds its 2016 fundraising event and exhibitions from 12 to 15 September 2016 at Mall Galleries, in London. Raising funds to support young people in the UK with programmes that foster team-building, job skills, education, and health/well-being, this year’s event is centred around the theme of the English garden in a gallery curated by British artist, Alice Shirley.

Limited edition print scarf by Alice Shirley. Image courtesy the artist.
Alice Shirley, Creative Director of VIP Dinner at the Singapore Botanical Gardens for the Hermès Liat Tower Opening in Singapore May 2016, installation view. Image courtesy aliceshirley.com

Directed and curated by Caitlin Mavroleon, Art for Youth raises tens of thousands of pounds yearly through direct sale of affordable artworks (paintings, sculptures, prints, and the like), as well as presenting a silent auction on selected works (this year conducted by Nicholas Bonham), a “mystery art wall” of small works on paper (buyers won’t know the artist’s identity until they purchase), and raffle tickets for luxury prizes such as jewellery, spa breaks, and more.

Repeating the Champagne Preview night event introduced last year, art lovers will have the chance to view the artwork with a glass of bubbly (and maybe even meet AFYL’s patron, HRH the Princess Royal).

Work by David Howell. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Annabel Fairlax. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Arabella Brooke. Image courtesy the artist.

In recent years, Art for Youth has incorporated numerous awards for emerging artists who distinguish themselves with excellent work and professionalism, including the Reach Prize sponsored by artist Afshin Naghouni and the Diana Brooks prize for a young artist under 35. In addition to these honours, another artist is invited to curate or present a solo show in the main gallery space, which in 2015, Kate Morgan displayed her large-scale series of wildly vibrant jungle-themed landscapes.

Work by Guy Shoham. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Elisabeth de Cherisey. Image courtesy the artist.

This year, British artist Alice Shirley is invited to present a space that is at once nostalgic and contemporary, with all artworks dedicated to a city’s hidden green corners or to the rolling hills of rural England.

Work by Collin Willey. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Alex Echo. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Keith Nichols. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by James Naughton. Image courtesy the artist.

This excellent display of contemporary (and affordable) artwork is recommended – not only for the quality and variety of work, but also for the low price of tickets (£18-20 for regular evenings, £75 for the Champagne Preview) compared to the high-value benefit to UK young people, who will have opportunities to learn new skills, make new friends, or improve their mental/physical health, which they might not otherwise be able to afford.

2016 Youth Ambassador, Jazzy, contributes artwork to Art for Youth. Image courtesy Art for Youth on Facebook.
Work by Athol Whitmore. Image courtesy the artist.

Read more about Art for Youth London – 2016

Work by Ken Howard. Image courtesy the artist.
Work by Ken Howard. Image courtesy the artist.

Event details: Art for Youth is on at Mall Galleries, the Mall at St. James, SW1 from 12 through 15 September 2016. Free entrance with paid entrance for evening events; step-free access.

Monday 12th September 2016 – Exclusive Preview Evening

6pm to 9pm: £75 in advance – This will be the first chance for you, your colleagues and clients to view and purchase the artwork on display. Champagne and canapés will be served and this is included in the ticket price.

Tuesday 13th September 2016 – closed to the public

Wednesday 14th September 2016

11am to 4pm: free entrance
6pm to 9pm: £20 in advance or £25 on the door

Thursday 15th September 2016

11am to 4pm: free entrance
6pm to 9pm: £18 in advance or £20 on the door

Click here to purchase tickets for Art for Youth London

If you wish to use an alternative payment method, or have any other ticket enquiries, please call 020 3137 3810.

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