As the Arts In Easton Banner Program, produced by the Avalon Foundation, celebrated its 8th year Saturday, Dec. 12th a resounding success was apparent during the auction! Enthusiastic attendees filled the Waterfowl Festival Building marveling at the awesome work created by local artists. From the beginning of the evening, it was obvious that this year’s event was even more special than ever as the crowd was overwhelmed by the artwork and the bidding was brisker than usual. All banners in the live auction received outstanding bids.
Of the 88 pieces of original artwork, 56 went to live auction. For a banner to be entered in the live auction, it must have at least 10 bids (minimum starting at $100 and bids increasing by at least $25 increments) during the silent auction. Total sales were almost $73,000 and individual banners sold from $100 – $2400. Proceeds from the sale of banners go the artists and to maintain the Arts In Easton Program.
Top selling banners this year were:
Log Canoe Race by Gwen Cameron – $2400
Got’ Cha! by Dudley Davis – $2300
Evening Reflections by Wallace McGarry – $2300
Shimmer by Jennifer Heyd Wharton – $2300
Steamed Crabs with Seasoning by Matthew Ghrist – $2200
Moon Marsh by Laura Era – $2001
The Arts In Easton banner program, an innovative and growing promotion of the region’s vibrant arts community, was created eight years ago to promote local artists and Easton as an arts community. Each year local artists produce original works on canvas banners, which are displayed on lampposts throughout downtown Easton from July through Thanksgiving.
The banners themselves have become more impressive each year, reflecting the growing talent in the local arts community. Original artwork of this size and quality often sells for much higher price points, making this event an opportunity for people who do not think that they can afford original artwork, the chance to start building a collections.
Additional notes: The auction bartenders were joyous to donate their tips of $320 to A Brighter Christmas Fund. Thank you to the over 30 volunteers who help produce the Arts In Easton Banner Program for our community.
Mark your calendar for next year’s event, Saturday, December 11, 2010.