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Harry Potter artist puts bears in the picture to help IAR

15th November 2005

Christman Bears in NewhavenHarry Potter illustrator Cliff Wright and artist Sophie Mahir from Newhaven in Sussex have unveiled an exciting new painting that will be auctioned to support IAR’s work rescuing dancing bears in India. The fantasy picture combines wild bears in a seaside setting.

Cliff Wright is particularly interested in bears and it was his idea to support IAR in this way. The bears in the picture have the charm and appeal that is characteristic of Cliff’s work. Telephone bids can be made by calling Sophie Mahir on 01273 512532 up until 4pm on 27 November. The picture will be on display at two special Christmas ‘Open House’ weekends on 19/20 and 26/27 November at ’The House of Colour’, the artist’s home at 3 Saxon Road in Newhaven. At the Open Days there will be a varied collection of other Art & Craft for the public to browse through, as well as festive offerings of mulled wine, and mince pies.

IAR Fundraising Director Carrie Colliss says: “I’m very excited by Sophie and Cliff’s new creation. They are both highly talented artists and I can’t think of a better way for them to support our work.”

Sophie and Cliff previously created another picture on a Harry Potter theme that was auctioned in aid of IAR. On that occasion it wasn’t put on display in advance of the auction, but this time the public is being given an early opportunity to see the painting and put in a bid that could not only acquire a very special and collectable work of art, but will also help to end the appalling suffering of real bears dancing on the streets in India.

The painting has a reserve of £250 on it.