Artists selling Christmas cards

Messenger photo by Becky Barker The artwork of four participants in MATCO’s Sky High Arts program graces Christmas cards that are available for purchase by the public. The artists are: (from left) Jay Large with his artwork, "Santa’s Workshop;" Rebecca Bell, "Let It Snow;" Roy Austin, "Candlelight;" and Randy Mayabb, "Holiday Lights." The artwork can be seen at matcoserv.com.

The Sky High Arts program at MATCO Services is going into the greeting card business, starting with Christmas.

"With the artwork being generated at MATCO, it seemed like a great way at this time of year to share our art with the community," said Alice Kennedy, program coordinator.

Kennedy established Sky High Arts a year ago as an outlet for artistically inclined clients of MATCO, the agency in Madison County dedicated to providing vocational, non-vocational and rehabilitative services to adults with disabilities. The group meets regularly to exercise their creative talents. The card idea is the group’s first fundraising venture.

"All proceeds will go toward supplies needed to create their art and to prepare their art for exhibition," Kennedy said.

Card buyers have two options. They can purchase pre-packaged packs of 12 blank cards, or order cards with personalized greetings on the inside. The 12-packs are $10 each (plus tax). The customized  cards are $50 for 50, $90 for 100,  $125 for 150, or $150 for 200 (plus tax). All cards come with envelopes, and all card fronts feature original designs created by Sky High Arts participants.

The four designs selected for the project and the artists who created them are: "Holiday Lights" by Randy Mayabb, "Candlelight" by Roy Austin, "Let It Snow"  by Rebecca Bell, and "Santa’s Workshop" by Jay Large.

"The artists get a one-time fee per image for allowing us to reproduce them. It’s a chance for them to market their work," Kennedy said. "We hope to continue to offer cards for other occasions throughout the year because we have enough art to do so."

Orders for personalized Christmas cards must be placed by Dec. 7. The pre-packaged 12-packs are available for purchase through Dec. 20 or while supplies last. Sky High Arts is providing free shipping and local delivery to the London and West Jefferson areas, or customers may pick up their cards at MATCO, 1509 State Route  38 SE, London.