Art For Life

Madeleine LeBlanc was only 5 years old when she succumbed to cancer. But 38 years later, her colorful spirit continues to inspire the brother she never met as he endeavors to fight back the evil disease... with a paintbrush.

That brother is Dieppe abstract artist Matt LeBlanc. He set out on March 2010 to create 200 painting in 6 months, with an ambitious goal to raise $25,000 for the Tree of Hope Campaign, which is the annual event of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation in Moncton.

The Matt LeBlanc Art for Life Gala took place in September 2010 at the new Dieppe Arts & Culture Center. Over 400 people showed up to be part of this special event. No artist in New Brunswick or even Canada as ever created this many paintings in this short amount of time and given all the money back to charity. It was something special to see all of those 200 paintings hung on the wall, especially with the meaning behind this project. With Matt's inventory, there were a total of 275 paintings in the building. It was a spectacular sight, all this art from one artist. Most people in attendance were wowed by the various styles and colors used for the campaign with the general consensus being that no piece looked like any other one in the group. They were all unique in their own way.

The event started with a bang in the concert hall. The MC was Martin Latulippe, the official spokesperson of the Tree of Hope campaign. Once seated, the audience was treated to a 25-minute video showcasing the entire campaign and all of the reasons behind this great endeavor. As well as the ups and downs experienced throughout the process. After a few words by Matt, everyone was then invited into the main gallery where all the 200 pieces were hung on the walls.

With the help of a live auction, a silent auction and the proceeds from the sales of Matt's inventory; the total amount raised from this campaign exceeded $38,000. Not too bad for one person in only 6 months.

"I said all along that I felt so lucky to have been given a talent; a talent to paint and to do what I love. That talent brought a lot of money for the fight against cancer. I've been called a champion and a hero; I don't see it that way. I just feel blessed that I've been given a talent and the ability to use it for a good cause. I know this won't be the last big project of this sort that I undertake.

$38,000 ... Take that cancer!"

Matt LeBlanc