July 8, 2015
More
than three dozen pieces sold for mostly bargain prices at the fifth annual art
sale to raise money for the historic Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.
A
large crowd turned out for An Evening of Art held July 2 at the former island
school, an historic building now used for a variety of community and private
events.
“We
had another great event, with lots of unique and wonderful pieces available,”
said Tim McCreight, one of the organizers who also served as the auctioneer. “People
got some real bargains this year.”
 |
| Auctioneer Tim McCreight seeks
bids |
The
highest-priced item was "Sunny Days" an acrylic painting by local
artist Robert Gibson, which sold for $500. "Quiet Cove," a pastel by
Richard Herdegan, sold for $200, while "Whale," a painting by Doug
Bane of Orr's Island, sold for $190. Other works included an antique brass
Coptic cross, which raised $150, and a carving of a pileated woodpecker by
Timothy Carberry, which sold for $120.
In
addition to the works donated by area artists and collectors, the event also
featured a series of wooden trays which were distributed to artists to decorate
in any way they chose. In past years, the special event included lobster buoys,
lunch boxes and bird houses, which were transformed in a variety of ways and
proved quite popular with bidders.
As
in past years, the highest price for a custom piece was paid for a work by Brad
McFadden of Orr's Island, whose painted tray with an aerial view of Long Cove raised
$260. Other popular trays included one decorated with brass and glass by McCreight,
a painted TV dinner on a tray by Lisa Burke, painted crashing waves by Bane and
others made by Margaret Leonard, Robert Gibson and Patricia
Fuchs.
Other
artists represented at the sale included Rachel Baillargeon, George
"Bear" Blake, Cheryl Blaydon, Michelle Clark, Catherine Gibson,
Michele Graybeal, Jan Heath, Deb Hides, Serguei Oussik, Laurie Proctor, Jan
Robertson, Cathy Sinowitz, Nancy Thorburn, Glenn Vose, Dorothy Wentworth,
Dennis Wilkins, Ben Williamson and Christine York.
 |
| Painted trays and a carved
woodpecker for sale |
“Once
again, the area’s wonderful artists and art lovers came together for a nice
evening and helped contribute to the upkeep of this important building,” said
Mary Morgan, who chairs the committee which runs the schoolhouse, owned and
managed by the adjacent Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
“We are very grateful for the generous support everyone in the community shows
to the schoolhouse each and every year,” Morgan said.
After
accounting for commissions paid to some of the artists and other expenses, the
auction raised about $3,500, a little less than last year.
An
important part of Harpswell history, the building was originally a two-room
school for island children. Now used for a variety of community, public and
private events, the schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from
event rentals, fund raisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds.
It is managed by the adjacent Orr’s and Bailey Islands Fire Department.
For more information about the schoolhouse, or to inquire about rentals, please
visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com.
