Local artist donates artwork to a good cause
Hilde Tønnessen and her husband Arnfinn live just outside Randesund in Kristiansand.
The five children moved out long ago. On the second floor, one of the children’s old bedrooms has been converted into a small studio where Hilde pursues her interest in drawing and painting.
Hilde created the artwork that adorns the program, the website, and the lobby at Kilden the performance “… like til Betlehem”; she has now decided to donate the artwork to an auction, with the proceeds going to the Unik resource center.
First and foremost, who exactly is Hilde?
– I’m 54 years old, a mother of five living in Randesund, a grandmother to three rambunctious boys, and I work at a swimming center. I’ve been here since my youngest started preschool—over 20 years now.
The play “… like til bethelem” has become hugely popular in the region. For 35 years, the show has delighted audiences of all ages since it premiered at Lovisenlund School in 1985. With nearly 12,000 tickets sold, the show has already broken all previous box office records. What is your connection to “…like til Betlehem”?
“I don’t really have any connection to the production; I’m going to the premiere this week and will be seeing the play for the very first time,” says Hilde.
You’ve created a work of art based on a piece that many people feel a close connection to—what exactly inspired this piece?
– My daughter Maria works at Kilden. She told me about the play, and through her I’ve tried to get my interpretation right. According to Maria, who has seen the rehearsals and the sets, I’ve gotten it pretty much right.
Why did you want to donate the proceeds from the auction specifically to the Unik Resource Center?
“At Bademiljø in Sørlandsparken, we’ve had a Christmas tree for many years that collects gifts for the Blue Cross. When I heard that Kilden the same thing for Unik, I was happy to be able to contribute the photo,” Hilde says with a smile.
Christmas is just around the corner—what are the Tønnessen family’s Christmas traditions?
– The classic old traditions are still very much alive. Church services, choirs, Christmas food, and Christmas baking.
So the big question is: Are you team pinnekjøtt or team ribbe?
In this case, we’ll take both, thank you.
– Seven varieties as well?
"No, I've stopped doing that. It's not good for my husband," Hilde laughs.
How to bid on the artwork:
Send an email to kilden, including your bid in the subject line and the name of the person placing the bid. The bidding period runs until December 22 at 12:00 p.m.
Updated November 25. Current highest bid: 5,000 NOK
In addition to the artwork being auctioned off to benefit the Unik Resource Center, the Like til Betlehem Foundation has donated the notebook associated with the performance. The book can be purchased via Vipps at Kilden, right next to the ticket counter. All proceeds from the sale will go directly to the Unik Resource Center and support their work in Kristiansand.
