Art Auction Returns
Who doesn't love the return of spring to Adams County? I like watching as the palette of winter browns begins to change. The woods brighten with the first signs of budding, and the purple and white of crocus are soon joined by the vibrant yellows of daffodils and Forsythia. It won't be long now. Woodlots are soon brightened by dogwoods and redbud while in the Fruit Belt we see the first blush of color spreading over thousands of acres of trees. All the while every shade of green begins to cover the land. Adams County is beautiful and many years ago I promised myself that I would never take her beauty for granted!
The Land Conservancy of Adams County's annual Art Auction has become another springtime constant for me. I've worked on the auction for twenty-seven years and my motivation has always been to help raise money to aid the Land Conservancy in its effort to protect farmland, wetlands and woods across the county. We are getting close to having raised a half-million dollars and all of that has gone toward protecting more than 13,275 acres.
If you are going to have an art auction you must have the support artists. Over the years hundreds of local artists have supported our efforts. Many of our early donors were already established artists while others were just beginning to practice their craft. And now there are a handful of artists who have donated to every auction and there many who have contributed for twenty years or more. Early on many of the donors were personal friends and I am delighted at the number of new artist friends I have made over the years. We have always taken pride in our effort to promote and encourage our artists, and their efforts and generosity are truly the reason for our success! In recent years we have developed a closer relationship with the Adams County Arts council and that has benefitted both our organizations.
This year's auction will again be held in the Arts Council's newly renovated building on South Washington Street. We'll start things off by hosting a reception for the artists and the general public from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on First Friday, April 5th, creating the opportunity to meet many of our contributing artists and to see the show in its full glory. Once again this will be an online auction hosted by Biddingowl.com and bidding will begin following the reception. Last year we added a couple new twists that proved to be popular so we're going to do it again. First, on Wednesday, April 10th we will be hosting a luncheon at the Arts Council featuring the culinary stylings of Chef Harry McCollugh. As last year, we will have an Italian buffet offering everything from salads to dessert...and we'll provide the wine, all for $25.00. Last year's luncheon was a sell-out so get your reservation in early. Then Conservation Director Sarah Kipp will be the featured speaker for the Arts Council's 3rd Thursday program on April 18th at 10:00 am. You'll get to hear from Sarah about the Conservancy's mission and accomplishments and I'll be there to discuss the auction. Coffee and pastries will be served.
And finally, on Monday April 22nd, we'll once again be hosting an End-of-Auction party. Things will begin at 5:00 pm and will continue until after the 6:00 pm closing of the auction. We'll provide drinks and snacks at no charge and all are welcomed. This party will provide one last chance to see the art in person and we'll be available to help you place "just one more bid" for those of you who, like me, don't use a cell phone. And those winning bidders will have the opportunity to settle up and take their new art home that night.
If you want to make a reservation for the luncheon or have any questions about the auction please feel to contact the Land Conservancy of Adams County at 717-334-2828 or visit our website. And thank you for your support!
Bob Prosperi is chair of the Land Conservancy of Adams County’s annual art auction.
