Arts Place virtual auction successful
It wasn’t just like last year but that’s not all bad. The Arts Place Auglaize-Mercer Center held its third annual quarter auction fundraiser on Sunday afternoon but instead of gathering together in the St. Marys Union Hall, hopeful winners gathered on Facebook Live instead. While there wasn’t the social aspect of the traditional quarter auction, Arts Place reported a larger attendance than last year’s auction.
“We had about 55 people participate,” said Wes Protsman, community board president. “That’s more in line with the numbers we had in our first year and an improvement from last year.”
Combined, the bidders raised $1,600 in funds for the operation of the center.
Prizes awarded covered a wide variety of artwork including ceramics and jewelry as well as several paintings. Other prizes were gift cards, toys for children or grandchildren, kitchen wares and small appliances as well as outdoor excursions.
“There was a little bit of everything for everyone,” Protsman said. “Everyone who participated was happy and most everyone who bought a ticket got a prize. It was good to reward some of our faithful patrons and introduced ourselves to some new people who will hopefully become faithful patrons down the road.
“Overall, we count it as a success.”
Protsman added that while
more money would have helped more, he was very grateful for people who donated to the center despite the pandemic.
The virtual quarter auction was also the last official function for former Director Heather Wilson, who left her post on Dec. 4 after moving out of the area. The search for her replacement is ongoing and Arts Place is accepting applications for the director position.
Interested persons can apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Executive Director Eric Rogers at erogers@artsland.org.
The ideal candidate will be drug free with a college degree and experience in a non-profit preferred. The ability to multitask and attention to detail are also important. Candidates need to have a genuine love for the arts and be willing to solicit donations.
With no current director, the hours for the Auglaize-Mercer Center have been adjusted to allow for volunteer staffing. New hours for the art center are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.