Several local artists who have created 10 original pieces of art in the styles of various late 19th and early 20th century masters, such as Monet, Picasso, Chagall, Mondrian, Klimt and others, are donating their pieces to a silent auction, with proceeds going to East Wellington Community Services (EWCS).
The paintings may be viewed in the Christmas windows at 60 Main Street, until the end of November. After that, they may be viewed during the production of The Art of Believing at David’s Restaurant or at any time at www.erintheatre.ca. Bids will be accepted at David’s restaurant during the show or anytime online.
Information about the artists and the pieces is also available online. Winners will be notified by Dec. 21.
The pieces are integral to the plot of Erin Theatre’s eighth annual holiday dinner theatre production – The Art of Believing – a comedy by local playwright, Susanna Lamy.
Once again, Susanna has created a madcap concoction of characters featuring perennial favourites such as Carol McCone as the penny-pinching Cora Moneypenny who has dragged along her cranky, hard of hearing husband, John Carp, played by Peter King. John Carter, an Erin Theatre legend, appears as Brother Bruno, the angst-ridden monk from France with a treasure to sell… but will he keep his vow of silence?
Susanna Lamy, plays Helena Beckett, a high-rolling party girl with a past who owns the trendy new gallery. Erin’s own Denise Rowe portrays Nellie Holt, a by-the book, impeccably trained art authenticator, whose reputation means everything to her. Laura Schnablegger, who appeared as Shelby in Erin Theatre’s recent production of Steel Magnolias, is Christina Penner, a debutant reporter hungry for her first scoop. Howard Lopez takes on the role of Bob Holler, a fast talking salesman and lottery winner with more crass than class. Rounding out the cast is Pam Keyes portraying Jamie Gavel, a legendary international art auctioneer with a slightly questionable reputation.
When a slick, big city art auction house marks its debut with an unprecedented collection of never-before-seen masterpieces, the typically staid and high-brow art world gets turned on its ear. Who is the real Artful Dodger? Has someone tampered with the goods? Is there a forgery in the midst? Pop the champagne … the art world is about to explode.
Directed by Erin Theatre’s Kathryn DeLory, The Art of Believing is bound to have audiences laughing and guessing.
The Art of Believing plays Dec. 10 to 12 and 17 to 19 at 7 in the banquet room at David’s, 20 Shamrock Rd, Erin. Cost for dinner and the show is $39.95 plus tax.
Also this year there will be a luncheon matinee performance Dec. 14, at 1pm. Hot buffet and show is $29.95 plus tax – group rates available.
To book seats, call David’s Restaurant at 519-833-5085.
