May 21, 2014
Iconic symbols of the community’s lobster tradition will take center stage at this year’s art auction to benefit the old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.
Iconic symbols of the community’s lobster tradition will take center stage at this year’s art auction to benefit the old Orr’s Island Schoolhouse.
A series of lobster buoys, specially decorated by area artists, will be unveiled for sale at the fourth annual An Evening of Art on Saturday, July 5, at the historic school building on Route 24 on Orr’s Island.
“We call it ‘An Evening of Art’ because it's a time for friends, community members and visitors to come to the schoolhouse to see the wonderful work made by local artists,” said Venise Minkowsky, organizer of the event.
“Last year we introduced a new feature, giving a dozen artists a small lunchbox, very fitting for a schoolhouse, to be decorated in any way the artist wanted,” Minkowsky said. “It was a huge success and we're doing it again this year, this time using lobster buoys."
The traditional buoys have been distributed to 10 artists to decorate in any way they choose. The artists participating in the project are Natalie Andreach, Maureen Anthoine-Orlandini, Tom Brudzinski, Lisa Burke, Patricia Fuchs, Emily Trenholm Leonard, Tim McCreight, Jeff McCreight, Brad McFadden and Patrick Regan
Works from those artists and many others will also be up for auction at the event. The offerings will include high-quality paintings, prints, photographs, jewelry and many other unique items. In past years, items have sold for as little as $20 to more than $1,000.
Last year’s event raised more than $7,000 to help fund operations and repairs to the schoolhouse, an important part of Harpswell history which was originally a two-room school for generations of island children. Now managed by the adjacent Orr's and Bailey Islands Fire Department, the renovated building is used for a variety of community, public and private events. The schoolhouse is self-supporting, depending on income from event rentals, fundraisers and donations to maintain the building and grounds.
An Evening of Art will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on July 5 at the old schoolhouse, located at 1594 Harpswell Island Road, Route 24. Preview will begin at 6 p.m. Light hors d'oeuvres, desserts, soda and wine will be served.
For more information, please contact Venise Minkowsky at 833-7386 or Tim McCreight at 761-8217, visit orrsislandschoolhouse.com or email artauction@orrsislandschoolhouse.com.