ARTirondack thanks

To the Editor:

The Mahoosuc Arts Council would like to express heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all those who supported the 7th Annual ARTirondack Auction which took place on July 17 during Mollyockett Days.

ARTirondack Auction is the most significant annual fundraising event for the Mahoosuc Art Council. And, it has also become a favorite and anticipated part of local culture. The energy and enthusiasm surrounding this year’s effort was tremendous and is clear evidence of the importance this event holds in the heart of this generous community.

This year 17 handcrafted chairs were painted by western Maine artists in original designs that spanned pirate ships, the Wizard of Oz and Captain America, to lovely seascapes, swimming trout, flowers, forest scenes and almost everything in between.

Many thanks to Reggie Brown for crafting the chairs (and letting us take one after another as the artists roster grew!). Special thanks to the local artists who created these one-of-a-kind treasures: Louisa Abarno, Jewel Clark, Suzanne Hardy, Heather Hastings, Lauren Head, Troy Jordan, Donnie Katlin, Karen Campbell, Sarah Lane, Sarah Shepley, Conni St. Pierre, Laura Worrick, Scott Lane, Cailin Kavanagh, Abby Blackburn and Mahoosuc Kids Association.

Many thanks to our chair sponsors: Reggie Brown, Brooks Brothers Hardware, Susan Duplessis, Northeast Bank, Sudbury Inn, D.A.Wilson, Doug Zinchuck Roofing, Viewers Choice Video, Homeslice Pizza, Rooster’s Roadhouse, Isabella’s Stickey Buns, Sunday River Real Estate, Pok Sun Emporium, Books N Things, Mahoosuc Kids Association and Dream Realty. And thanks to those businesses which served as viewing locations for the chairs: Bethel Animal Clinic, Sunday River Golf Club, United States Postal Service.

Many thanks to the hard-working Council members who rise to the call when help is needed: Tera Ingraham, Helen Davies, Janet Aug, Troy Jordan, Suzanne Newsom-Pierce, Jenny Cooper, Lauren Head, Ashley Oliver, Michele Peredja, Melanie Ellsworth, Michelle McLean. A big round of thanks to the Council volunteers Doug, Steve Aug, Chris Davis and Derrick Martel.

Thanks to the Bethel Inn and Mary Brown for arranging and hosting the auction preview July 16. A big thanks to Auctioneer Extraordinaire Joe Gaidis for working his magic with the bidders. Thanks to all those who bought raffle tickets. And finally, a huge thanks to the generous bidders who bought these functional works of art.

All of you did much more than just paint a chair, sponsor a chair, host a chair or buy a chair! You all ensured that the Council will continue to provide outstanding visual and performing arts programming to the K-12 students of SAD 44 and Gould Academy as well as the adult communities of the Greater Bethel Area for the 2010-2011 season.

Aranka Matolcsy

Executive Director, Mahoosuc Arts Council