Peterborough Artist Donates Show Proceeds to The Salvation Army

A solo art show by 92-year-old Peterborough artist Sonja Cuming Adams raised $11,600 for The Salvation Army in Peterborough. Sonja sold 49 of the more than 100 paintings at the recent exhibition in the Peterborough Temple gym.

All money raised benefits Salvation Army Community and Family Services support programs for families and individuals in Peterborough. Sonja paid for all matting of the paintings and for framing of some of the works, totalling $4,000.

“Sonja wants the donation to support the food bank, the breakfast program, and the Christmas appeal to assist people in need,” said JoAnne Leach, Christmas Support Worker with The Salvation Army Peterborough Community and Family Services.

According to Sonja’s bio, her “landscapes, painted on location, reflect her love of nature.” Sonja came up with the idea for the show last fall, and she spent the last year producing works for the exhibition and sale.

“I am so pleased that my art can be used to raise funds to feed those in need and assist people who don’t have homes. I’m so happy that I could do this for The Salvation Army. I really poured all my energy into producing it and it was wonderful,” Sonja said.

“I never imagined that I would sell so many paintings and I am so appreciative of the support of The Salvation Army in the community.”

In her prolific career as an artist, Sonja estimates to have painted between 2,000 to 3,000 works since completing her first canvas, a portrait of her father in front of a fireplace, at age 12.

This year’s show went so well that Sonja plans to hold another next September to continue to raise funds for The Salvation Army in support of anyone in need in Peterborough.