Kim Alducin DeReuter’s mask form is part of an artwork titled “Libertador: Fighting for Freedom.”More than 50 unique and intriguing masks can be seen at the Association for Visual Arts Gallery through Aug. 24. On Aug. 25, the masks will be moved to The Car Barn to become the focal point of an evening of fun, food, drinks and activities designed to raise money for Faces: The Craniofacial Association.
Faces, formerly The Debbie Fox Foundation established in 1969, helps 75 to 135 families each year travel to specialized medical centers that perform life-changing surgeries. In addition, Faces has helped more than 25,000 people throughout the country with travel expenses, financial and moral support, educational programs, support networks and information on 37 different craniofacial disorders.
Lynne Mayfield, executive director of the Chattanooga Chapter of Faces, which is also its national headquarters, is excited about this first exhibit held in conjunction with a fundraiser.
“We are planning an entertaining evening that includes a boardwalk of activities for the young at heart, tasty carnival fare, drinks and grandstand games for the grownups,” she said. “The highlight of the evening, however will be the silent auction of beautiful masks painted by artists, local celebrities, sports and entertainment icons, our Faces children and other local personalities.”
Those who wanted to participate in the project picked up a papier-mache mask form several weeks ago. They were allowed to decorate and embellish the mask in any way or incorporate it into a larger piece of artwork.