The Arts In Easton Banner Program, celebrated its 9th year with the annual auction on Saturday. Enthusiastic attendees filled the Waterfowl Festival Building marveling at the original art work created by local artists. The auction is always a very social and fun event with refreshments, Hors d’œuvre and entertainment during the silent auction. Approximately 700 people were in attendance.
The Arts In Easton Banner Program, an innovative and growing promotion of the region’s vibrant arts community, was created nine 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.
Purchasing Arts In Easton banners gives patrons a sense of owning an important piece of the town, of what makes up our community. The banner auction makes fine artwork accessible.
All of the 88 pieces were sold, with 38 going to live auction. Total sales were $53, 746 and individual banners sold from $100 – $3,100. 75 % of proceeds from the sale of banners go the banner artists and 25% goes to support the work of the Avalon Foundation.
Top selling banners this year were:
Early Morning Trout Line by Jennifer Heyd Wharton – $3,100
Shimmer by Jennifer Heyd Wharton – $2,300
Summer Memory by Nancy Tankersley – $1,900
Blustery Day on the Coast by Laura Era – $1,750
Moonlight Marsh by Laura Era – $1,500
Crabs Ready for a Feast by Linda Kirvan – $1,350
The Arts In Easton Banner Program is the work of Avalon Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. The Foundations fundamental purpose is to provide the leadership, the venue and a variety of programming to improve the quality of life on the Mid-Shore. It accomplishes this through its diversified arts and educational programs, through community alliances and by serving as a facilitator for community groups. We strive to be a leading catalyst for the arts, education and culture on the Mid Eastern Shore.
Mark your calendar for next year’s event, Saturday, December 10, 2011. The Avalon Foundation is in the beginning stage of planning a festive event in honor of the 10 anniversary of the Arts in Easton Banner Program. We value your input on the Arts In Easton Program and Auction. An open forum will be held at the Avalon Theatre on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 6pm. All are invited to attend and give feedback and suggestions on how to grow this event.