WHILE Hugh Jackman is a name you would normally associate with acting, he has tried his hand at painting, donating an artwork to the Swan Hill branch of the Fight Cancer Foundation’s 9×5 exhibition.
The exhibition, which recently opened at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, includes 69 donated pieces of artwork that are now available for purchase through an online auction to raise money for the FCF.
While many were completed by local artists, two high-profile names also stood out – Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness.
Internationally recognised for his leading roles as an award-winning actor, Jackman is a generous philanthropist who supports a number of causes, ranging from fair trade for developing countries, to cancer research and support.
His wife, Furness, is also a well-known television and screen actor and movie director.
FCF Swan Hill branch president Steve Pentreath explained that both Jackman and Furness are patrons of the FCF and contributed artworks to the FCF head office in Melbourne, which were then donated to the Swan Hill branch by the then general manger Eric Wright.
“Eric was very impressed with the success of our 2022 9×5 exhibition and decided to assist with the 2023 exhibition with the addition of the artwork by Hugh and Deborra-Lee,” Mr Pentreath told The Guardian.
“This is quite a coup for our group to have their work and, alongside the works of our very talented local artists, makes for a very exciting 2023 art exhibition.”
Last year’s inaugural 9×5 event raised more than $3700 for the FCF and the group hoped to raise even more money this year.
The 9×5 exhibition is currently on display at the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery and will run until June 12.
To view and bid for the artworks in the 9×5 collection, visit auctions.ghrealestate.com.au
