Chamber gears up for art auction

Even though it's still one month away, officials at the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Putnam County are gearing up for "An Evening of Art."

The event will take place Friday, Oct. 27 at the Walden Inn Social Center on the campus of DePauw University, 2 E. Seminary St. A preview of displayed art is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. with an auction set for 7 p.m.

Chamber Executive Director Tammy Amor said this is the third time the Chamber has been involved in the art auction.

She said the Chamber, in conjunction with Putnam County Rotary, conducted auctions in 2003 and 2004.

"The second one wasn't as successful," Amor said. "We think we picked a bad date."

Following the 2004 auction, Amor said it was decided the auction would take place every other year.

Amor said both Chamber and United Way will benefit from the Oct. 27 date, particularly since it takes place on a Friday.

"We've never had it on a Friday before," Amor said. "We think that will be a good deal."

Money from the fundraiser will go to both the Chamber and the United Way. Amor said the Chamber and Rotary made nearly $1,500 from the auction in 2003 but funds were not as great in 2004.

The art auction will be the final fundraiser for the Chamber this year. Amor said both the Chamber and United Way will receive a portion of the sales at the auction and $1,000 for every 100 people in attendance.

Amor said Tennessee-based State of the Art will conduct the auction. She said the company will present lithographs, engravings, etchings, watercolor paintings, silkscreens, giclees, cartoon cells, original oil paintings, among other pieces at the auction. In addition, all pieces will be framed.

The art will include at least 300 pieces ranging from $25-$10,000, Amor said, and will include pieces from Salvador Dali, Norman Rockwell and Pablo Picasso, among other artists.

A raffle has been planned at the auction for an opportunity to win Marc Chagall's "Blue Bouquet." Those interested in entering the raffle for the piece -- valued at $250 -- will receive a raffle ticket at the door on the day of the auction or can receive five free raffle tickets through the "Early Bird Incentive."

Amor said those interested in receiving the free raffle tickets prior to the auction need to send invitations in by Oct. 20, and the first 100 people that send in invitations will receive five more raffle tickets.

There will also be door prizes awarded with raffle tickets.

Tickets for the event are $10 in advance or $15 at the door the day of the auction. Advance tickets may be purchased at the Chamber or the United Way offices. Amor added those interested in attending may purchase five tickets for the price of four or 10 tickets for the price of eight.

Drinks and hors d'ouevres will be provided at the event and a string quartet will perform music. All art pieces may be purchased via cash, credit card or check.

For more information regarding the auction or to reserve tickets, call Amor at 653-4517.