Pediatric Cancer Survivors Have the Opportunity to Paint with a Local Artist

B’Beth’s Gifted Masterpieces to raise funds for Polo at the Point and its beneficiaries

Mobile, Ala.; August 14, 2012 — On August 17, Gifted Masterpieces will be held at University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) where pediatric cancer patients who have been treated within the University of South Alabama Health System will be given the opportunity to paint with B’Beth Weldon, a local artist. Friday’s event will be held in the Multipurpose Room at MCI from 2-5 p.m. The final pieces will be on display in the MCI tent at Polo at the Point, and many pieces will be part of the event’s Silent Auction. Polo at the Point is scheduled for Sunday, October 21 at Sonny Hill-Clearwater Polo Complex in Point Clear. MCI’s Pediatric Cancer Research Program and the Thomas Hospital Pediatric Rehab Center are this year’s Polo at the Point beneficiaries.

The University of South Alabama Health System, which includes the Mitchell Cancer Institute and Children’s and Women’s Hospital, are the only pediatric cancer providers in the region. In addition, MCI is actively engaged in basic and translational research aimed at advancing cancer treatment for pediatric patients.

In 2010, B’Beth founded Gifted Masterpieces to give special needs children, children who are critically ill, and their families the opportunity to paint. During these workshops, B’Beth works hands-on with participants to create beautiful paintings. As the featured artist of Polo at the Point 2011, B’Beth held Gifted Masterpiece workshops in her studio to raise funds and awareness for Polo at the Point and the beneficiaries of the event.

Originally from Mobile, Ala., B’Beth grew up painting and drawing with her mother, Margaret Weldon. She spent most of her summers in Point Clear and Fairhope, and she had the opportunity, when she was not riding horses or sailing, to learn from well-known local artists. Her love of action, animals, nature and travel are a result of the introductions made in her childhood and she has spent her life celebrating them—as evidenced in her paintings. B’Beth works as a full-time artist in her studio in Fairhope and she has paintings in private and corporate collections around the world. In addition to the Gifted Masterpiece workshops, she also teaches art classes to children and adults.

About Polo at the Point Since 1988, Polo at the Point has raised millions of dollars that benefited cancer research, local non-profit organizations and children’s charities. Polo at the Point, a Point Clear Charities event, has become known as one of the area’s most entertaining charity sporting events. The weekend is full of fun, entertaining events for all who attend. Several teams comprised of local, regional and international polo players will compete throughout the weekend for the opportunity to play on Sunday, October 21, for the coveted Point Clear Polo Cup. Funds raised at Polo at the Point 2012 will benefit University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute, Thomas Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Program and other charities. For more information, please visit www.poloatthepoint.com, or call the Polo Office at (251) 621-4464.