The committee behind Future Hope MS, which is raising money for Adam Barnes to receive treatment for multiple sclerosis, received a donated original oil painting by artist Alan McClure. 

The Art 4 Adam fundraiser starts at 3pm on Sunday.

As well as being talented painter, Mr McClure previously drew an editorial cartoon for the Cootamundra Herald.

The painting called Murrumbidgee Country is valued at $800 and is the first prize in a raffle drawn on Sunday by the artist himself.

Future Hope MS committee member Wendy Slater said after Mr McClure donated his painting, it wasn’t long before others were donated.

“Eleven artists have donated their original works,” Mrs Slater said.

“It’s become an exhibition of Cootamundra talent. It grew from Alan donating his original painting. So we thought we’d do a show and even more artists have donated their original works.”

Mrs Slater said the donations were significant.

“We’re hoping to sell as many as possible to get close to Adam’s magic number,” Mrs Slater said.

It’s hoped the Art 4 Adam exhibition will be the last major fundraiser before Mr Barnes travels to Russia in September.

Mr Barnes said he appreciate the work by Future Hope MS volunteers, the community support and the owners of the Olympic Hotel opening on a Sunday.

“It’s becoming pretty real as we’re organising visas for myself and my dad,” Mr Barnes said.

“I’m looking forward to it, I hope it all goes well, it’s pretty scary but I’m trying to think long-term.”

To prepare for treatment, Mr Barnes will stop taking his medication in June.

“It will be a bit of an unknown for three months, but it will be good not to have to buy the pills each month though,” Mr Barnes joked.

Artists who have donated their work include; Cathy Ashcroft and friends, Peter Close, Louise Dabin, Sally Eberle, Cathy Hamilton, Ron Kirkland, Katrina McAinsh, Diana McCloud, Robert Newman, Margaret Peck and Chris Slater.

As well as the showcase of artistic talent, musician Bob Guy will be performing.