Combat Stress Secret Postcard Auction 2024
The 4th edition of our Secret Postcard Auction has now launched, and will run until 1 December.
People can access the auction site, view and bid on the fantastic artwork, and find out more about the artists here: https://postcardauction.combatstress.org.uk/home_page.
What is the Secret Postcard Auction?
All the 300 pieces of artwork up for online auction has been listed anonymously. Simply place a bid on your favourite piece of art (or the art you think is by your favourite artist) and, if you’re the highest bidder when the auction closes, you could you be the lucky one who picks up an original piece of artwork by a leading artist or well-known celebrity.
Over 130 professional artists, celebrities and veterans have created larger postcard-sized original artwork to be auctioned in support of the charity. We’ve got one-off pieces from acclaimed artists such as Anne Desmet RA, George Underwood, Lothar Gotz, Josephine Trotter and Sue Kreitzman to name just a few!
Only when the auction closes will the winning bidders know who created their standout piece of artwork.
How does Artwork link to the work of Combat Stress?
At Combat Stress, we have veterans explore art therapy during treatment to help them express their emotions and find a way to explore their mental health issues.
Sophia Cowx, our Senior Art Therapist, said: "Art making can open up doors to the mind and body in ways words can’t and may help change how memories are stored.
"Art Therapy provides an opportunity for a veteran to reflect on their experiences in the military and make sense of them by tapping into all the senses using art.”
A veteran might be referred to art therapy if they have thoughts and feelings that they’re finding difficult to connect with and give expression to through words alone.
As Army veteran Joe explains: “Art therapy sessions made me realise if I can express one iota of an emotion onto paper, then I can get it out of my head."
Find out more about Art therapy at Combat Stress, here: https://combatstress.org.uk/get-help/how-we-help/art-therapy