This is a gorgeous painting by local artist and blogger Genie Maples, which got lots of bids at Saturday night’s art auction and benefit for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. Jorge, who works at WNCAP, won the bid for Genie’s work. He said he’d had his eye on the painting since it came through their door.
I didn’t indulge in any art, other than taking snapshots of the event for the worthy organization (far from art). Genie’s painting was part of the extensive silent auction, which was followed by a live auction of 12 or so of the art pieces. The auctioneer, Matthew Holiday, was imported from Spartanburg, SC, and he was amazing. I’ve never seen a live auction before. The patter plus the bidding wars were exhilarating. And all for a great cause.
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Auctions are awesome and addicting. We went to them all the time growing up and even have one at our family reunions. They’re so much fun to watch, even if you aren’t participating.
This was the first year I missed it since moving here six years ago. Last year I got tipsy and bid on a $2,000 quilt. What the heck are we doing?! We cried after “going once, going twice,” and finally just before it went to us someone else bid. Near tears, we collapsed on the floor in total relief. My family no longer allows me to attend art auctions.
If you like live auctions, check out Penland’s auction on Craven St. in the River District. It’s every Friday night at 6pm, and the auctioneers are steeped in gospel and bluegrass rhythms. It’s lovely and fun.
There’s a preview of the stuff up for auction all day long on Friday. You can just walk in and see what’s what.
Can’t wait to see all the pictures. Well, ok, maybe i CAN wait. I’m still trying to recover from the whole thing.