Art is for everyone and so is Artcetera 2012, the third annual fundraiser for the Elora Centre for the Arts.
“We are hoping to encourage the average person, who maybe doesn’t feel they can afford original art to come in and appreciate the art and perhaps see that it can be affordable,” said Joanne Grodzinski, committee chair of the event.
While the gala auction will feature high-priced art works, the event is designed to have something for every art appreciation budget.
Artcetera 2012 includes a three-day silent auction and a gala evening complete with a live auction, music and gourmet foods.
Artcetera 2012 features 300 works of art by over 120 different artists in a variety of mediums, from original paintings, photographs and glassworks to ceramics, wood work and jewelry.
“The event fits our board’s mandate. We respect art and we want to promote and expose people to creativity through art, and make it accessible,” she said, adding, “Even if people don’t buy, it is a great event to support, to come out and appreciate the art and appreciate the centre.”
Centre Wellington business have supported the event, too.
“We have over 100 wish list items from local retailers and businesses …. about ten thousand dollars of goods and services up for auction,” she said.
A Collector’s Corner will feature donated items of previously-enjoyed art and artifacts, also for auction.
“This is our third year and it’s grown every year,” Grodzinski said, adding that not only are more local artists participating, but the reputation of Artcetera has encouraged a number of artists from beyond Wellington County to enter their work.
Part of the success for call for entries is because artists in the auction are paid.
“Fifty per cent of the sale is given to the artists,” Grodzinski said, adding, “We want to support our community and our local and regional artists.”
Artists Mary Karavos, a paper fibre artist from Toronto, had a piece in the live auction event, which was selected by a juried panel.
“I first came to know about the Elora Centre for the Arts years ago because I participated in Art In The Yard, the annual summer exhibition,” Karavosa said. “The show was so well organized, the volunteers are amazing, so helpful and welcoming and the actual Centre for the Arts was exhibiting fabulous art.
“Over the years I have followed how the centre has continued to be thriving with activity and supporting all arts for all ages,” Karavos said. “It is a real treasure for the community of Elora but what it has accomplished reaches far beyond as well.”
For Grodzinski and her fellow committee members, that means their hard work is paying off.
“We are finding that our event is getting better known and the quality, we feel, is improving every year,” Grodzinski said.
That’s a good thing, because Artcetera 2012 is one of the most important fundraisers in the year for the centre. Last year, it earned just under $35,000 and the goal for this year is $40,000.
General manager of the art centre Arlene Saunders, said the event is essential to the future of the organization.
“If it were not for this major fundraising art auction we would be unable to continue to provide arts programming and events for the citizens of this region and the many visitors to Centre Wellington.”
“We’re an arts organization and we need to keep our doors open.” Grodzinski added.
Saunders agrees it is important the event build not only on the future of the centre but on the community as a whole.
“Support from artists, local businesses, sponsors and the many volunteers is outstanding and the fact that we are able to pay the artists a good portion of the sale price makes this particular model of auction a win, win, win,” Saunders said.
“The public receives some wonderful original artwork or local service, the artists are paid for their contributions and the centre raises much needed funding,” Saunder said.
The silent auction will run on May 10 from 5pm to 8pm; May 11 from noon to 8pm; and again on May 12 from 10am to 4pm.
The Saturday Night Live auction and gourmet reception, served by Appetizingly Yours, will feature the music of the Jason Raso Trio.
The reception begins at 7pm.
Tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the door.
“It’s a gourmet cocktail party,” Grodzinski said. “It’ll be fun and there may be a bargain that people may fall in love with, and that’s what we really hope will happen.”
For information call 519-846-9698 or email artcetera@eloracentreforthearts.ca.
