Christie Andresen receives the David Asher Volunteer Award

Artist and Provincetown native Christie Andresen has been selected to receive the David Asher Volunteer Award at the 34th Provincetown Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla on September 11, 2021 - Make Waves. Over many years, Anderson has donated special edition stained glass medallions created in her workshop for the top 2020 swimmer fundraisers. 

Andresen’s shop, Tawqua Glassworks, has been creating residential and commercial stained glass art for thirty-five years with clients around the world. She was raised in Provincetown where she was mentored by Sal Del Deo, Nancy Wharf and others, becoming a craftsperson at age sixteen.

In 2020, a difficult year for all, Andresen created lovely, delicate heart shaped pendants for every Swim for Life fundraiser. “I wanted to particularly thank the swimmers who did this at home, in this most difficult year during the pandemic, without the camaraderie and people cheering them on, “ Andresen enthusiastically stated. 

The Swim for Life, sponsored by the Provincetown Community Compact,  has raised over $5M for AIDS, women’s health and the community since 1988.

“Christie’s specially-made handcrafted medallions sent out to the 200 Swim for Life participants in last year's virtual event was a sheer act of kindness and joy,” states Swim director and artist Jay Critchley. She was assisted by fellow artist Ricardo Cuencas of RC Jewelry, both located at Whaler’s Wharf, Provincetown.

“From Provincetown’s remarkable response to HIV/AIDS to covid-19, with the AIDS Support Group to the Swim for Life, the town “Makes Waves”, continued Critchley.

Andressen will receive the award at the annual Swim for Life Mermaid Tea and awards ceremony at the new town-owned East End Waterfront Park, 387 Commercial Street. The park is the finish line for the 1.2-mile east end shoreline swim starting from the beach across from the Harbor and Breakwater Hotels at Snail Road. The public is invited beginning at 2:00 pm to attend and cheer the swimmers as they arrive at the park.

Beneficiaries of the September 11 Swim include: the AIDS Support Group of Cape Cod (ASGCC), Helping Our Women (HOW), Outer Cape Health Services, Provincetown Rescue Squad Association, Lower Cape Ambulance Association, Soup Kitchen in Provincetown (SKIP), Provincetown Schools, The Compact Community Fund, Accessible Provincetown, West End Racing Club and Cape Cod Children’s Place.

Business sponsors include: Seamen’s Bank, Fanizzi’s Restaurant, Provincetown Banner, Boatslip Resort & Beach Club, Lobster Pot Restaurant, Far Land Provisions, Cape Air, Bay State Cruise, Berta Walker Gallery, Art’s Dune Tours and WOMR 92.1, with support from the Provincetown Visitor Services Board. New sponsors this year include: Provincetown Aquasports, Cape Cod 5, Cranberry Square Dermatology, The Palette Fund, Arthur H. Platt Trust and b/well Cannabis Dispensary.