Niagara-on-the-Lake artist Filomena Pisano is donating about 10 per cent of the proceeds from her new art project to women’s initiatives.

As part of the effort to fundraise and support her art, the mixed media artist took her favourite painting from her entire collection, “Frida Number 3,” and printed a high-quality, exclusive run of 250 pieces to be sold for $250 each.

“ 'Frida' was professional scanned. The technology is amazing,” Pisano said. “Each mark is so vivid, full of colour, my strokes are visible. I can barely tell the print from the original.”

She was inspired by amous Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and by many of her own life experiences.

Pisano said it has been a blessing for her to release the pieces and once all of them are sold she will be donating $5,000 to Gillian’s Place women’s shelter and $2,000 to Moon Time Sisters, a program that helps young women in northern communities across Ontario and Saskatchewan access menstrual products.

“ 'Frida Number 3' is a reminder for all of us to bless one another whenever we can,” Pisano said.

The original artwork was scanned and giclée printed on archival paper. With the process, ink is sprayed on to mimic the actual texture of the original painting rather than a typical ink jet printing process.

Pisano then wax-sealed them by hand to preserve them, provide texture and making them look as much like the original as possible.

So far 20 of the limited-edition prints have been sold, some travelling as far as Alberta.

Anyone looking to purchase a piece and support the project can contact Pisano through her website at www.pisano.art.