A GALLERY in Christchurch is to show an exhibition of artwork created by famous figures from the worlds of music, comedy and TV about their motivation song.

Arts and crafts retail chain Hobbycraft has teamed up with Eazl CIC and its Art in a Box II, a charity initiative which has invited celebrities such as Madness frontman Suggs, musician Boy George and comedian Vic Reeves to create a masterpiece for auction.

A preview exhibition of prints of the artwork, inspired by a meaningful torch song chosen by the celebrities to represent ‘a song that lights the way out of the dark’, will be on show at Hatch Gallery in Christchurch from Monday January 27 to Saturday February 1, with all proceeds being donated to Together for Short Lives and CALM.

Musician KT Tunstall, who did a painting inspired by Carole King’s song ‘So Far Away’, said: “Being a touring musician, it is sometimes so hard to nurture your relationships with the people you love back home, especially if you have one special soulmate who isn’t with you.

“This song perfectly encapsulates that feeling for me and has always said it best when I’m out on the road and feeling a little lonely.”

Hobbycraft has supplied each of the celebrities with a bespoke art box, and this year sees the retailer further step up their support by assisting with funding for the project.

This year’s thought-provoking theme is ‘Torch Song’, with the brief to produce a painting on an 8-inch square canvas inspired by ‘songs that light the way out of the dark’, a definition introduced by CALM.

A full exhibition of the original paintings at the Graham Hunter Gallery in London from Monday February 10 to Sunday February 23.

Joel Pickering, Head of Marketing at Hobbycraft said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Art In A Box II charity initiative, as part of our continuing commitment to raising vital funds for charity partner, Together for Short Lives.

“Art is at the heart of our business, and our partnership with Eazl is a natural fit. Crafting has a positive effect on health and wellbeing, with painting being a popular pastime that helps to stimulate relaxation and a healthy mind – all the more reason to get behind a project that benefits two very deserving charities.”

Bids for the paintings can be placed via charitystars.com/artinaboxii from Monday January 27, with the auction closing on Friday February 28.