Art Auction Fundraiser Provides An Evening Of Fun

By Nancy K. Crevier

“All in all, a good night was had by all,” said Roseann Loring, spokesperson for Cullens Youth Association, in describing the art auction fundraiser on Friday night, October 7, at Edmond Town Hall.

Cullens, in association with The Greater Candlewood Valley Exchange Club and Venturing Crew 70, raised nearly $2,500 after expenses at the event, which drew more than 100 people on a dark and stormy night.

A 6 pm preview allowed attendees to peruse the 150 art and sports memorabilia items, nibble hors d’oeuvres, and sip wine before the start of the auction at 7.

Art pieces included original oil works by Cynthia Powell, signed serigraphs by Korean impressionist and hyper-realist Sam Park and Russian artist Viktor Shvaiko, as well as signed and numbered offset lithographs by popular light and color artist Thomas Kinkade. Prints and images beautifully matted and framed and small sculptures were available, as well.

Robert Atlas, auctioneer for Ross Galleries of Holbrook, N.Y., said that the gallery often buys pieces from new, up and coming artists, offering its customers the opportunity to buy affordable, original artwork. The key to purchasing art, he said, is to “have a lot of fun, like the piece, and have somewhere to put it.”

Interspersed with his quick, witty chatter, Mr Atlas offered mini art lessons and led the crowd from piece to piece at a quick pace. No bids? “Take it away,” he called out, and runners swiftly set the art aside.

“You can bid more than twice, dear,” joked the auctioneer, as he prodded the audience to raise their bids.

While most buyers kept their purchases below $200, Ms Loring said that at least one piece went for more than $1,000, and a signed photo of Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling was sold for $750. The sale of two Kinkade lithographs also helped the three organizations reach their goal of $8,000 in sales.

“We’re pleased with the results of the auction,” said Ms Loring, “and thankful for all that attended, even with the holiday weekend and bad weather.”