a little bit more about the auction

penland's 25th annual benefit auction was aug 13 and 14th. this year's event was lots of fun and very busy. i was more relaxed this year, but still felt a little on edge. there is so much that happens in those two short days and watching one's work auctioned off in such an important auction is nerve-wracking. however, it really was exciting and an all-around excellent experience.

i began my day on friday by cutting fruit in the pines' kitchen with fellow resident margaret cogswell. (all the residents help a little "behind the scenes.") then i ran home to change clothes so i could attend an artist talk at the penland gallery followed by the "director's luncheon," a special luncheon for "lucy morgan leaders." i sat with a lovely group of friends and met lots of auction attendees; there were toasts and short speeches and the food was excellent. next i went home to finish some last-minute details in my studio and to change clothes again for the late afternoon and evening events, including an artist reception, cocktail party with live music, and a live-action preview. around 7 everyone headed to the big tent for dinner and friday's live auction, followed by a dessert and live music party. i left around 11 to get myself in bed because i knew saturday was going to be a big day.

check out this link to a beautiful picture of the tent on friday night.

at 7am the next morning i met with the volunteers who would be taking care of the resident breakfast. after i helped them get situated i spruced up my studio one last time and began welcoming patrons. once the last attendee had left i did a quick clean-up and got myself to the live auction and lunch under the tent. all the residents had pieces in this auction and it was exciting to see our work bid on. the most exciting moment, however, was when hoss haley's sculpture was auctioned. hoss gave an eloquent speech and then the bidding began. when it was all over everyone was on their feet cheering.

toric knot by hoss haley

the fruit i mentioned earlier was served at the resident artists' event "breakfast at the barns" where auction attendees get a complimentary handmade mug for their coffee along with breakfast goodies to enjoy as they visit each resident studio. this year's sale was excellent and i am very pleased with how well it went. a special thank you to my friend's who helped that morning, courtney martin, beth schaible, and marianne dages. i couldn't have done it without them.

more on flickr.