Painting that honors victims of collapse to aid grief service

Marni Tobin, Special to the Star Tribune

The painting “13 Flowers,” a tribute to the victims of the I-35W bridge collapse, was donated for the grief support service Survivor Resources.

Cash-strapped nonprofit that helps families of victims will auction the artwork donated by the artist and the Uptown Association.

By ANTHONY LONETREE, Star Tribune

Last update: October 9, 2009 - 10:36 AM

From the beginning, Survivor Resources has operated on a shoestring budget and often with the help of "divine intervention," says executive director Margaret McAbee.

This year's fiscal challenge is greater than most. But on Thursday, as McAbee spoke of the nonprofit group's upcoming benefit auction, she noted, too, the special qualities of the painting, "13 Flowers," propped against a wall behind her.

The painting, a tribute to the victims of the Interstate 35W bridge collapse, has been donated to the auction by artist Marni Tobin and by the Uptown Association, which commissioned it. It was the only piece of art to survive a flooding of the association's offices.

"Somehow," McAbee said, "this painting feels like divine intervention."

Survivor Resources can use every dollar it can fetch. It began its fiscal year July 1 with a $100,000 hole in its $255,000 budget -- a result of state funding cuts. The group's services remain intact, but if new funding isn't found, one or both of its paid counselors could be laid off.

With offices at both the St. Paul and Minneapolis police departments, Survivor Resources reaches out to grieving family members who have lost loved ones to murder, suicide or fatal accidents. It hosts support group meetings and helps families understand police investigations.

"We have seen firsthand how important Survivor Resources' work is in helping victims through the very darkest of times," St. Paul Police Chief John Harrington said in a news release announcing the auction and the "13 Flowers" donation.

Those interest in bidding on the painting can attend the auction, which runs from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Mancini's Char House, 531 W. 7th St., St. Paul. The piece will be sold at 3:30 p.m., McAbee said. Sealed bids are being accepted and can be sent to: Survivor Resources, 367 Grove St., St. Paul, 55101.

To learn more about "13 Flowers," go to: tinyurl.com/yfd4pvn.

For more about the auction, which also is expected to include an autographed Joe Mauer jersey, visit: tinyurl.com/yjf397q

Anthony Lonetree • 612-673-4109