Online art auction helps renew Picton Library

Rosalie Starkey with the bowl she claimed as the winning bidder in April’s Renew Online Auction.

More than 100 pieces of art found a new home last month while helping the Picton Public Library rebuild its home.

The Renew online art auction held during the month of April ended at noon April 30th with the last bid coming in just under the wire at 11.59 p.m.

“It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was a huge success,” said Alexandra Bake Chair of the Fundraising Committee. “It was the first time that an on-line auction such as this has run in our community and the response was extremely positive.”

Over 100 pieces of art were contributed by a wide variety of artists across the community, ranging from functional art such as pottery, glass vessels and quilts, to books, sculpture, photography and paintings in a variety of mediums.

Bake noted that during the month items that were bid on typically received multiple bids and the majority exceeded the values placed on them as participants entered into the spirit of the auction.

“At the end of the day over $23,000 was raised, with most bids coming from within our community,” she said. “We did, however, receive bids from Toronto, Ottawa, Barrie, France and Nashville.”

The most heartening result of Renew however was the show of commitment to the library from across our amazing community.

“From the artists who so generously contributed, to the newly formed PECADA which threw its support behind the auction, to the countless volunteers who work tirelessly to make it happen – specifically Hri Neil, Natalie Piper and Peta Hall. And of course to the Drake Devonshire, Karlo Estates and Stanners who helped to launch the auction on March 31st in such fine style. But most importantly we extend heartfelt thanks to all the people who participated and who made all the hard work worthwhile.”

Successful bidder David Oliver was glad the auction was a success.

“My pleasure to be of some small assistance in raising funds for a great cause,” he said.

“It was painless spending this money on such a beautiful piece,” added Rosalie Starkey, from Long Point.

The ‘It’s Overdue Time to Renew’ campaign to rebuild the library will allow an expanded collection, meeting rooms, improved accessibility, family-friendly washrooms, quiet study space, storage space and dedicated space to use equipment for anything from 3D printing, to embroidery. A new balcony will bring a multi-purpose space for meetings, events and daily use.

In the past 10 months the library has raised well over 75 per cent of its $2 million goal.