Meet our artist in residence, Alison

Photo credit: Nicolas St-Pierre

“Life is a canvas”: Alison's motto could not be more perfectly suited to our organization and its mission to help people in need: "No matter what bright or dark colors it has on it, a canvas - and a life! - always deserves the chance of a fresh start." At HWF, it's all about new beginnings, including for the pieces of furniture we collect and give back.

Our artist-in-residence, Alison, refurbishes furniture and antiques to fundraise for HWF. With some paint and supplies, music in the background, good light and inspiration, Alison transforms old furniture into unique pieces that can sell within a few hours. Anything can serve as a canvass for her creativity. Under her care, chests, shelves, chairs, and cabinets are slowly brought back to life, revealing themselves like butterflies out of their chrysalis.

Alison has a long history of volunteering her time and energy to help her community. "I put myself in other's shoes," she says. Bringing her love for painting into the mix came naturally, when she saw the opportunity to use her art to support HWF. As an organization entirely run by volunteers, HWF needs these funds to keep our operations going, furnishing homes and changing lives in our community, one by one.

To see Alison's pieces currently for sale, check our Instagram. All money collected is used to support HWF's operations.