‘Good Folk, Bad Art’ is a great idea for PCAA
The “Lost Lake” is located off the Georgian Bay near PointeAuBaril, Ontario, Canada. For Matthew Roberts, that picturesque site brings back memories of yearly fishing trips with his dad. That lost lake, plus art lessons, helped him find something. And that was a talent for painting landscapes.
The Eaton resident entered his watercolor in the Preble County Art Association’s third annual “Good Folk, Bad Art” fundraising event. His painting garnered the largest amount for the organization, bringing in a total of $11,257. The amount includes individual $1 votes plus the highest bid for the work. Hispain ting was generously supported by clients, friends and family.
“Before January of this year, I had never taken an art lesson. After a few months and many sessions with my instructor, I have gained some knowledge of the technique, and definitely respect for those whose art comes naturally,” said Roberts, who owns Preble County Chiropractic Nutrition and Sports InjuryCenter.
“I can actually see myself continuing with lessons, and Ijustmayhavefoundanew hobby.”
Those on the chiropractor’s team included Brad Unger of Roselius Insurance and Mari Vosler. All were taught by professional artist Robert Co veneyofEaton. Team Robert took home indiv idualteamtrophiessince they raised the most as a group, bringing in $22,313.
There were three teams in all competing to raise the most support. Team Abney included Travis Early of Ace Hardware, Preble County assistant prosecutor Eric Marit, and Patty Wagner. The yw ere instructed by pro- fessional artist Erin Abney. Team Springer was filled by Eaton fire chief Brian Smith, Chad Creech and Jean Bussell. They received instruction in building clay sculp- ture from Gail Springer.
Creech of West Alexandria took second place for his “Perseverance Fountain” with copper-stemmed green and golden-yellow flowers that spill the water back into a textured brown cla yp ot. He bested his personal goal of raising $5,000 by $1,600.
“The art association has become a valuable asset to the Preble County community and is one of my favorite causes,” said Creech, chief development officer of Alter- nate Solutions Health Network. “Under the leader- ship of Vicky Fanber g, she has expanded the communities’ knowledge and participation in the arts. This spans from adult programs to focused youth programs, which allows for kids to unleash their creativity.”
Creech and Bussell share a trait with Roberts, as this is also their first year for art lessons. Bussell’s “Primary Totem” stoneware compon ents on a whee l-thrown base took Third Place. She raised a total of $4,935.
“I love totems. Whenever we travel, we look for totems. We have made side trips in dozens of states to visit them,” Bussell said. “We brought home totems from Alaska.”
The event, held on April 22 at Gatherings on the Green in Lewisburg, brought in more than $50,000 through an auction led by John Kramer.
“We are inspired by the generosity of the community, and are carefully considering the ways we can better serve Preble County through arts and culture,” said executive director Vicky Fanberg. “The success of this event, in both the funds raised and also the time and enthusiasm brought to the table, is encouraging.”