Patrons of this year’s Loyalhanna Watershed Association Art Auction will have a choice of bidding on 29 creative works, either remotely from Monday through Oct. 2 or in the company of other bidders during an Oct. 1 Pop-Up Gala.
Last year, in response to pandemic restrictions, the nonprofit shifted the annual fundraising event online and found the reformatted auction was well-received.
“We had close to 100 participants,” Executive Director Susan Huba said. “After doing a formal dinner auction for 35 years, it was very successful.
“There were lots of new people. That’s what we like to see, getting new interest in what our organization is doing.”
The auction has been the largest yearly fundraising effort for the association, which has worked since 1971 to protect water resources in a 298-square-mile area that drains into Loyalhanna Creek.
As with last year’s auction, bidding will occur online during this year’s “Nature’s Surprises” event. Interested bidders can register using a computer, tablet or mobile device — through 32auctions.com/LWA — to view the auction pieces and place bids beginning at noon Monday.
The auction features local and national artists. “We have a nice variety of pieces, everything from paintings to pottery to sculpture,” Huba said.
In addition to viewing online images of the pieces, potential bidders may see them in person throughout the auction week, during regular business hours at G Squared Gallery, 138 E. Main St., Ligonier.
That gallery also will be the setting for the Pop-Up Gala, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 1, taking advantage of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Compared with past dinner auctions, Huba said, “It’s a more informal type of reception, for people to come and appreciate the art and bid on the pieces.”
There will be cocktail fare crafted by Miriam’s Table Catering and signature libations from Stateside Vodka and LaVigneta Winery. Using their smartphones, guests will be able to vie for purchase of six works that will be available for bidding only during the hours of the gala.
These include original works by artists William DeBernardi, Francis DeFabo, Ron Donoughe, Rita Haldeman, Joan Mudge and the late Charles Pitcher.
Tickets for the gala cost $50 per person.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Loyalhanna Watershed Association office at 724-238-7560.
