by Sue Giustino
On Friday July 26, 2019 Guild Hall presented their second Opening Preview Cocktail Party for the Clothesline Fundraising Event, and it was a huge success. On the evening of the ticketed preview the two main galleries were buzzing with musing art lovers from far and near. The show displayed works from an array of styles and medium including: photography, pencil, oil, acrylic, pastel, digital, woodblock, metal, bamboo, and many mixed styles.
In 1946 when they initiated the fundraising event, the art sold from $5 to $25 dollars. The range this year was from $75 to $2200; the proceeds are split 50/50 between Guild Hall and the artist. The Sale is to help support their mission.
The actual art sale was held on Saturday July 27, 2019, welcoming visitors and locals to enjoy and purchase works by nearly 400 East End and tristate artists. In addition to the visual art, they included a ‘Makers Market’ where artisans set up tables with an array of functional art/crafts to be sold. The Market featured previously excluded categories of functional art such as jewelry, handbags, fashion accessories, furniture, and hand knits. Artist’s wares were on display in the Cheryl and Michael Minikes Garden for the duration of the Clothesline Art Sale.
According to Kristen Curcie who helps coordinate the event, it’s a community event. From set up, greeters, sales, and break down- they rely on volunteers, and over 200 of them come out throughout the event to support the fundraiser. She also mentioned that the pricing on the art is intentionally affordable with the goal of ‘sharing art’ with everyone.
Artists participate in the sale to share their talent and with the hopes of making a name for themselves. To be a part of the sale, you can request a packet at any time, they are sent out mid-June. Artists are required to drop off their work two days prior and pick up unsold items the following day.
If you haven’t seen an art exhibit or show at Guild Hall, check out the web site and make it a priority. It’s a wonderful community cultural center right in our back yard. In addition to the regular gallery exhibits, they host a member’s show in the spring with the winner receiving their own exhibit in the fall, and a winter east end schools show displaying works from local children. https://www.guildhall.org/events/
