A few weeks ago, it was late in the evening, and Amanda Bauscher probably should have been getting ready for bed. Instead, she was up reading about the bushfires tearing through Australia and wondering what she could do to help.
She came upon the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie which has an “Adopt a Koala” initiative enabling donors to metaphorically “adopt” a koala with the funds going toward the rescue and treatment of the sick and injured marsupials. As Bauscher discussed the possibility of donating with her husband, an idea started to unfold. What if she made something for people to purchase and donated the funds to the Koala Hospital instead?
So, Bauscher is creating original 3.5 inch by 5 inch watercolor paintings of koalas, which she is selling for $40 a piece with all of the funds going toward the Koala Hospital. Bausher will be creating original pieces for the entirety of January and for as long as there is an interest in the weeks to follow. Her personal goal is to raise $4,000.
An artist for the entirety of her life, Bauscher, a Moorestown native and current Mt. Laurel resident, has worked in just about every medium from colored pencils, to acrylic and even graphic design. Animals were most often her subject of choice, and growing up, she found herself in trouble with her school teachers from time to time for doodling horses on her papers.
To this day, Bauscher paints commissioned pet portraits on the side.
As of Jan. 8, the University of Sydney estimates more than one billion animals were killed in the bushfires. When Bauscher saw the devastation taking place, she knew she wanted to donate to an organization working directly with the affected animals.
“I just wanted to do something; I don’t just want to sit idly by and watch an entire species go extinct,” Bauscher said.
Bauscher is promoting her paintings on local Facebook groups. She said watercolor is a relatively quick medium, and each piece takes her about 30 minutes. For those interested in larger or custom pieces, she’s open to discussions about different variations.
She’s encouraged to see other artists doing similar fundraisers online. She said watching people come together during a time of tragedy is inspiring to witness.
Having previously worked at an animal shelter, she knows first-hand the difference that donations can make. She said for rehabilitation organizations, every donation has a visible impact. Somebody donating $40 can mean food or supplies for an animal in need.
“I think it’s really important that people realize they can make a difference even – it’s just a little bit of money,” Bauscher said.
Those interested in purchasing a koala painting, can contact Bauscher via email at a.bauscher@yahoo.com. To learn more about the Koala Hospital, visit https://www.koalahospital.org.au.
