• Nearly $29,000 in proceeds benefit SV Arts Council
The Star Valley Arts Council held their First Annual Art Auction Fundraiser in the Alpine Airpark last Saturday evening. Art sales, raffle tickets and admission fees earned the Arts Council just under $29,000 in proceeds after all expenses were paid.
“We are so thrilled with the response to our first Art Auction Fundraiser and will absolutely be making this an annual event,” said Lxi Weber, Arts Council Executive Director.
Twenty local artists participated in the event, showcasing 48 pieces of their art that ranged in genre and style from watercolor and chalk through oils, acrylics, wood carving and jewelry. Artists were asked to submit pieces created specifically for this event, honoring the theme “Spirit of Wyoming.” Five pieces were offered by live auction, with auctioneer Ed Peterson of the Broken Spur Auction Company, and the remainder of the pieces were offered by silent auction. Each artist agreed to donate half of the earnings from the sale of their piece to the Arts Council.
Four Star Valley High School orchestra students, under the direction of Lisa Barber, provided chamber music throughout the event. Star Valley Circus, under the direction of Jennifer Wilkins, presented aerial art as entertainment. Charcuterie boards, offering a variety of hors d’oeuvres, were provided by Alpine Broulim’s, and handmade chocolates were furnished by Papa’s Fine Chocolates from Montpelier. Centerpieces for each table were arranged and donated by Macie Marie Floral, fostering the theme of “Spirit of Wyoming.” Doughy Eyed Bagels, from Pinedale, served as bar tender, with drinks generously provided by the Bank of Star Valley.
“Funds raised at the art auction are earmarked for the 2024-25 season,” said Janet Erickson, Chairman of the SVAC, in an interview with SVI following the event. “We are so pleased with the generosity of our artists, sponsors and community in support of this event. These funds will make it possible for us to provide more art experience and education in our beautiful community, and support local artists of all types and skill levels as they grow in their personal mastery journey.”
Sponsors for this event, which included the Bank of Star Valley, Ameriprise Financial, Real Estate of Star Valley, KA Yoga, Western Skies Fine Art Gallery, Star Valley Circus and Macie Marie Floral, made it possible for the Art’s Council to create an event that one guest called, “the best event I’ve attended this year!”
SVAC Board Member and Art Auction sponsor, Doug Monson, praised everyone involved. “As a board member on the Star Valley Arts Council, and as a sponsor through Western Skies Fine Arts Gallery, I couldn’t be happier with how this fundraiser turned out. I believe it was a huge success for all parties involved, and I hope to be a part of it next year. A big shout out to Lxi Weber for her tireless work on this event, and all the board members and volunteers who made this possible.”
