The Pendleton Center for the Arts hosts a Gala Auction every other year, and last year the pandemic took the event online.
That adaptation came with a silver lining – the discovery of an online platform that made the event easy for both staff and patrons. So easy, in fact, that this year PCA is hosting an off-year auction event to compliment their holiday programming.
“It feels like things are looking up,” said PCA Executive Director Roberta Lavadour. “To celebrate we’ve put together a fundraiser we think the community will have fun with. The online auction worked so well last year, and we raised important funds for expenses that grants don’t cover.”
This year the nonprofit is hoping to raise $14,000, the annual cost of health insurance for its salaried, full-time staff.
“Our board members put a lot of effort into coming up with items we think people will love,” she added. “The experiences and hand-crafted items can help you with Christmas shopping list, too!”
Some familiar favorites, like furniture by Jeff Blackwood and ceramic earrings by Marie Pratuch, will be featured alongside new items like a custom papercut by Jenny Morgan and an outdoor adventure at Meacham. Some board members used their connections with artists from outside the area to secure one-of-a-kind works, like the 3” miniature painting on wood by Maine artist Nell Parker.
Anyone can participate, and the event opens for online browsing and bidding on Thursday, Nov. 18 at 32Auctions.com/PCAHealthy2022. Visitors will create an account with an email and password, but will not be asked to enter any credit card information to bid. Items will also be available to view in person at PCA beginning Nov. 18. The final gavel comes down on Saturday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. All items will have a “buy it now” feature for patrons who want to spend a little more to guarantee a winning bid. More information is availably by calling 541-278-9201 or emailing director@pendletonarts.org.
