Now in its second year, Powell River’s Art Chair Auction fundraiser features the work of 30 local artists currently displayed at the Powell River Public Library.
The format has changed a bit this time, according to organizer Maureen Tierney. “We’re doing a silent auction this year so that people can come during that 10-day period any time,” she said. “They can keep checking back and make their best bids.” Bidders are each given a number to keep their bids confidential, she added.
Jointly hosted by Powell River Friends of the Library and Powell River Sunshine Gogos, the funds are split evenly between the two groups, said organizer Pamela Brown. Sunshine Gogos raises money for the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign to support African grandmothers who care for children born to parents who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
The chairs are all donated by the artists and range in style from whimsical, pastoral scenes to political statements. “Last year we netted over $11,000 in one day,” said Tierney. The hope is the event can raise even more this time, she added. Chairs are on display and open for bids now until 3 pm on August 26.
“The last hour is going to be kind of a countdown hour because between 2 and 3 pm we expect a lot of activity around the chairs with everybody trying to get their last bid in,” said Brown.
The auction offers people the chance to get a unique, usable piece of art, often at a good value, said Tierney. “A lot of these artists, if you went to buy one of their paintings, you would spend a lot of money.”
For more information, go to Powell River's Art Chair Auctionon Facebook.
