Irwin gallery hosts star-themed art auction for suicide prevention center

Tracy Alaia thinks that people have something in common with stars — each one, human or celestial, is unique and beautiful in its own way.

That idea suggested a theme for a benefit event she’s hosting at her downtown Irwin business, Feathers Artist Market and Gifts.

Alaia is inviting people to make star-themed paintings to be auctioned during September, with proceeds going to Come, Talk Inc., an Irwin-based nonprofit that provides free resources for people affected by suicide.

“I’m constantly trying to do things to give back to the community, and I love to help the local nonprofits,” Alaia said. “Mental health resources are so valuable, especially right now.”

Come, Talk Inc. was founded in April 2021 by Irwin resident Amanda Morrison as a safe place and resource center for people affected by all aspects of suicide, including those who have contemplated or attempted suicide, people who are concerned about a loved one, and people who know someone who has contemplated, attempted or died by suicide.

The organization has space in the Norwin Chamber of Commerce office at 321 Main St., Irwin.

Morrison said when she left a job in late 2020, “I wanted to do something meaningful and helpful to the community. This idea just came to me.”

Suicide was a topic close to her heart. A cousin and a high school friend both had died by suicide and an aunt had survived an attempt, but later died from cancer.

“My aunt had told me that if she had just had someone to talk to — a neutral party, not family or friends — she wouldn’t have made the attempt,” Morrison said. “I’ve read so many case studies that said the same thing. People just need someone to talk to.”

Come, Talk Inc. provides one-on-one visits at the center, printed and electronic support materials, names of local counselors, small group meetings, support groups, guest speaker events, self-care classes and other community outreach programs.

“It’s very important to me that everything is free,” Morrison said. “I don’t want cost to be a deterrent to anyone who needs help. We rely on sponsorships, grants and fundraisers like the one Tracy is doing.”

The painting activity is “a fun way to raise funds,” said Morrison, who has contributed a painting of the constellation Capricorn in memory of her aunt.

Anyone interested in making a painting for the auction can stop by Feathers, at 104 4th St., to pick up a canvas for $3. Participants can paint on site for a $3 studio fee, or take the canvas home to complete and return by Aug. 30.

The canvases vary in size, but most are 8-by-8 inches or 11-by-14 inches.

Painters of all skill levels and ages are welcome to participate, said Alaia, who noted that two siblings, ages 2 and 4, have contributed glitter-covered creations.

The paintings will be hung in the Feathers gallery and visitors will be able to bid on them throughout September and during the shop’s fifth-anniversary celebration on Oct. 1. Bids can be made in any amount.

Alaia, who does similar auctions for local nonprofits once or twice a year, said it’s unusual for any work to remain unsold. On one occasion, she had some leftovers which were then donated to a local nursing facility.

The benefits of such an event go beyond just helping the featured nonprofit.

“I like being part of bringing people together,” she said. “One boy said he loved that he could do something little to help others.”

Giving people a creative outlet also can have lasting effects.

“I give people an idea to start and they can be as creative as they want to be,” Alaia said. “The kids especially feel like real artists when they see their work displayed on the wall in a real gallery.”

Prospective painters can stop by Feathers from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays or 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call 412-930-1954 or visit feathersartistmarket.com.