“Spring For the Arts” Fundraiser Event
“Spring for the Arts” Fundraiser Event
Ellicottville Central School Art Program to Get a Big Boost from Local Artists
ELLICOTTVILLE - From paper mache and sculpting with clay to strokes of color on canvas, art of all kinds encompass the fun nature of growing up. Understanding the value of art and the role it plays in the classroom, and seeing the passion these teachers have to share creative freedom with their students, ellicottvilleNOW newspaper is teaming up with other local businesses to organize a special fundraiser to help support the arts at Ellicottville Central School (ECS).
“I credit my art teachers growing up for fueling my motivation to pursue a career that allows me to utilize my artistic talents,” said Brenda Perks, ellicottvilleNOW publisher/graphic designer. “And as parents, we encourage our children to be creative, to think outside the box and express themselves in healthy ways. As they grow into adulthood, that creativity, if nurtured from a young age, can transfer into a career of their dreams, like it did mine. Even the less obvious art forms - designing homes, shaping snow park features, hairstyling, welding - they all stem from a foundation of art.”
Working closely with ECS senior art instructor Deborah McGowan, a dozen oversized wooden palettes were recently distributed to a dozen local artists who are excited to apply their creativity in various mediums. Finished palettes will then be displayed and auctioned off, with all monies raised donated to the ECS art program.
“Being able to offer students an outlet through art is important not only for general creative expression, but for many, it’s a way for them to cope with the emotions that come with being a kid or teenager,” said McGowan. “It’s a way for them to unload their feelings, which is so important for mental health. And the more opportunities we can offer them, the better chances these kids have of finding their niche and connecting with their inner selves. Who knows where art will take them in life?”
OPENING RECEPTION
The public is invited to view and place silent bids on completed palettes during a special “Spring” For the Arts Open House scheduled for Friday, May 5th from 5:00-7:00pm at the Ellicottville Memorial Library. Hosted by McGowan and her art students, the event will not only showcase these wonderful works of art, but ECS students will also set up a Bake Sale, so bring your sweet tooth and cash in-pocket to enjoy a tasty treat while perusing one-of-a-kind art. Complimentary appetizers will be provided by Villaggio and the Gin Mill.
To add to the local art showcase, many of McGowan’s students are creating their own masterpieces on 8”x10” canvases, which will also be displayed at the Open House and available for sale. With a price tag of $20 each, it’s an affordable way to support the local arts and go home with a beautiful piece to call your own. Plus, all those attending the Open House will be automatically entered into a special door prize drawing.
For those unable to make it to the Open House, plan to stop into the library anytime through May 11 (during regular library hours) to check out the palettes, place your bids or purchase remaining student canvases. Starting May 12, palettes will be relocated to various businesses in the village, opening up even more exposure and bidding opportunities for these wonderful works of art. Look for posters around town listing participating artists and locations. Bids will close at the end of business on Monday, May 29 with winning bids announced that week.
Want to learn more about the artists involved and other exciting additions to this really cool, much needed and doubly appreciated fundraiser? Keep tabs in upcoming issues of ellicottvilleNOW and watch for the event page to drop on Facebook soon! Any local business interested in donating an appetizer or door prize for the Open House or would like to display a palette at their location, please call or text Deborah McGowan at 716-353-1725.