The Mess Studio, represented by co-founder Sandra Dodds, receives the inaugural grant from the Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund, with his family and artists from The Mess Studio present.

On July 29, the Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund presented its inaugural grant to The Mess Studio for the purchase of two new air purifiers worth $4,000 to improve the air quality in a basement studio that welcomes artists from all walks of life and backgrounds.

The Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund was established with the Community Foundation soon after Chris’ death in 2019. His family, with support from the community, wanted to honour his legacy by providing annual grants to local art organizations that promote messages of social inclusion and community engagement.

Chris was a talented artist, writer, and actor who used his passion for the arts to benefit his community. As a firm believer that “art transcends barriers”, Chris had spent much of his time and talent volunteering at The Mess Studio and other local organizations that worked towards making art accessible to everyone.

Chris’ family selected The Mess Studio for the grant after spending some time volunteering there. They appreciated the inclusive principles that The Studio embodies, which welcomes artists and community members from all walks of life to contribute and develop support networks regardless of their background.

The air purifiers purchased with the grant will help improve The Studio’s air quality, making it safer for artists to use the space and meet in person again.

For more details about the Chris Groeneveld-Barry Memorial Fund, visit our website at https://cfka.org/chris-memorial-fund.

To learn more about the impact of the Fund and its first grant, click here to be directed to The Kingston Whig Standard article.

This Fund will provide a permanent legacy for Chris and support local art organizations that contribute to building a more inclusive community.