Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Community members attending the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts' "12 x 12" fund-raiser from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House will have the opportunity to purchase some great art at a bargain price, according to Kerry Whitsett, member of the Friends organization and chair of the fund-raiser.
The original pieces created from 12-inch wooden squares by over 50 SFA-related and area artists are currently on display at The Cole Art Center as a part of a silent auction with a minimum bid of $250.
"For this part of the fund-raiser, patrons have more control over their purchases," explained Whitsett. "They can continue to bid against one another, ensuring that they have the winning bid on a particular piece. The silent auction will continue through much of the closing reception."
Any pieces that have not yet received bids by 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, will be available for purchase for only $100 each on a first-come, first-served basis, as soon as the doors open for the closing reception at 7 p.m. sharp.
"The scramble itself is a lot of fun for participants and spectators alike," said Whitsett. "Before the reception, no one knows who'll end up with which piece. Additionally, the name of the artist is not revealed until each piece is sold. So the whole event is rather suspenseful."
More suspense is created during the final stage of the closing reception. The silent auction will close at 8:15, and any pieces not sold through it or during the $100 sales period are placed in a raffle. Patrons can purchase tickets for $5 each or five tickets for $20.
"So, it's quite possible to go home with a great piece of art for only $5," Whitsett exclaimed.
Admission to The Cole Art Center and closing reception is free.
The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches. Regular gallery hours are 12:30 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, call Whitsett at (936) 468-6557.