Auction to benefit Arts Center
Staff photo/Gary Bowden
THIS WINTER SCENE, painted by Martin Gallant, will be one of several artistic offerings available to bid on May 4, with proceeds going toward the operating costs of Presque Isle’s Wintergreen Arts Center.
By Kathy McCarty
PRESQUE ISLE — Wintergreen Arts Center and the University of Maine at Presque Isle are teaming up to raise money to help establish a cultural center downtown. As part of the First Friday Art Walk, the two organizations will be hosting a 10×10 Art Auction from 6-9 p.m. on May 4.
“This is a fabulous inaugural event. Blank 10×10 canvases have been sent out to artists throughout the region, across the United States and into Canada,” said Wendy Gilman-Zubrick, executive director of the Wintergreen Arts Center.
Gilman-Zubrick is pleased with the work she’s seen so far.
“The canvases are rolling in and it has been a pure joy to receive them. There is such a wide range of styles, mediums and themes — there’s sure to be something for everyone,” she said.
“If you’ve never attended a Friday Art Walk in Presque Isle, this is a terrific one to start with. From the Warhol exhibit at UMPI to Marty Gallant at Morning Star Art & Framing and Bill Duncan at Sorpreso — both of whom will have canvases for sale at the auction — it’s going to be an incredible evening of art, music, good food and good company,” said Gilman-Zubrick.
Whether you have a new business or home or are just a lover of art, she said this is the perfect opportunity to start or add to a personal collection.
“Come on down and support the arts in your local community. We hope to see old and new friends alike on Friday Night,” said the Center’s executive director.
The silent auction takes place at the Barresi Gallery at the Wintergreen Arts Center and proceeds raised go to WGAC growing programming needs and to fundraise for the forthcoming Downtown Cultural Center. Bidding starts at $50.
Festivities continue Saturday, with runners raising funds for the same cause.
“Saturday morning will feature a different kind of fun and excitement with the second annual Friends in Motion 5K — again with funds going to support Wintergreen Arts Center’s growing programming needs and support our mission to provide meaningful experiences that encourage an appreciation of the arts, stimulate creativity and innovation and offer an artistic community space where all are welcome,” she said. Whether you choose to sprint, run, walk, job or crawl, Gilman-Zubrick invites all to take part in the 3.1-mile event.
“The gathering spot is Mantle Lake Park. You can register at Wintergreen, call 762-3576 or registration forms can be found at www.momentumaroostook.com/events/documents/friendsinmotionregformcopy.pdf,” she said.
The registration fee is $15 for the 5K and the Kids Race is free. Every runner under the age of 12 will receive a prize and a popsicle. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Kids Race around the circle at Mantle at 9 a.m. and the 5K beginning promptly at 9:30 a.m.
“This stroller-friendly course begins on the Mantle Circle, then zig-zags through side streets, behind Pine Street School on the bike path, up around University Circle, back behind the school, then ends back up at Mantle. It’s a fast, flat course except for the incline on Pine Street and an incline on University Street,” said Gilman-Zubrick.
There will also be a water stop set up at Pine Street.
Prizes will be given to the top male and female in each age category. Prizes will also be given in each of these “fun” categories: Flashiest Running Shorts, Most Memorable Finish and Best Running Costume.
“T-shirts will be given for the first 100 registrants, so pre-register. Participants thereafter will receive a water bottle,” she said.
