Art auction to benefit NACC

By Terry Duffy

Editor-In-Chief

"There is something for everyone: landscapes, abstracts, still life and portraiture."

So said Kelly Lang-Buckley, development director for the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, as she announced plans for the NACC's annual art auction. The popular event will take place with live bidding at 6 p.m. Sunday at Wine on Third in Niagara Falls.

That evening, bidding will begin on more than 80 original art works, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to benefit NACC educational programs.

Buckley noted the auction, which began four years ago in response to decreases in city funding, has grown into a highly anticipated annual event for artists and patrons alike. The donated artworks up for auction range from oil paintings and pastels to sculpture and photography. All have been donated by regional artists who, together, raised $12,000 for the NACC over the past three years. They're hoping to raise another $4,000 this Sunday.

Wine on Third will again host this year's event. The Third Street wine bar, known for both its culinary selection and support of the arts, has encouraged participation by artists by providing art supplies as well as the location for the actual auction. Event coordinator Brook D' Angelo has served as auctioneer for the past three years.

"All summer, Wine on Third has been hosting 'live art' events where artists could create with the intention of donating their works to benefit the NACC," said D'Angelo, who will again work this year's event. "Wine on Third purchased and donated the canvas, each artist brought their own paint or medium, easel or card table, and tools, brushes and talent."

Some of the artists who donated their time and talents include Jeffrey Bagneschi, Chris Lickers, Mary Grace Ohrum, Eileen Wrobel, Andrea Galyn, Kyle Esposito, Danielle Grace DePalma, D'Angelo, Kathy Schifano, Katherine Johnson and Vince Anello, Jonathan Rogers, Connie Garver, Tim Mallony, Jim Neiss, Valerie Lynn Roffle, Lisa Tribunella, Jay Carrier, Gabe Porto, Cheryl Gorski, Kat Hart, Michael Beam and Rosetta Smith.

"We have had such a wonderful response to our call for art, and each piece is so unique," Buckley said. "Niagara is blessed to have so many generous and talented artists. Many of these pieces would sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars in a gallery setting. But at our charity auction, bidding starts at $25, with no reserve. This would be impossible without the generous donations from these artists and the support of our local business partners."

The auction opens at 4 p.m. Sunday. Silent bidding gets underway at 5 p.m., with the live auction at 6 p.m. Advance bids are accepted.

The NACC is open year-round, providing a wide offering of arts and education programs to the public. Galleries are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. The NACC also offers a six-week summer arts program, "STAGES," for children ages 7-17. It focuses on fine arts, theater, performance and cultural history.

 "The NACC relies on the revenue from memberships and events," Buckley said. "Every dollar supports our mission to provide arts and cultural opportunities and helps in the preservation of our heritage and the revitalization of our neighborhoods.

"However, this is many people's favorite event. The auction atmosphere is exciting, the wine is delicious, the artwork is stunning, and it is all for a good cause!"

A sample of the artwork for sale can be previewed at Wine on Third. A complete listing of art can be seen on the NACC Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.thenacc.org, contact Buckley at 716-282-7530, ext. 6, or D'Angelo at 716-531-3903.