This year's Box Art Auction hit new heights in terms of excitement, turnout and money raised. The popular annual fundraiser pairs artists with boxes and their efforts benefit East End Hospice (EEH) through silence and live auctions. The 2014 Box Art Auction was held on September 6 at the Ross School in East Hampton, N.Y. Around 94 boxes were contributed and brought in over $26,000, according to EEH. Donations are still arriving so the final figures remain to be seen.
In any case, this was a banner year for the benefit, drawing a record 200 people through its doors, according to the non-profit organization.
“This year was just the best!” said EEH board member Arlene Bujese. “It was our best ever in terms of excitement and energy, audience, and funds raised. There were 94 terrific boxes from our very talented and generous artists. The beautiful display at the Ross School great hall was just superb.”
The 2014 Spirit of Community Award was presented to Barbara Layton, owner of Babette’s Restaurant in East Hampton, for her commitment and generosity to EEH and the East End community in general.
Much excitement was incited during the live auction, led by auctioneer (and poet and publisher) Lucas Hunt.
"Our Auctioneer, Lucas Hunt, added immensely to the evening with his energy and enthusiasm for each work," said Bujese. "He generated such a sense of joy and excitement as he prodded bidders for this great cause: EEH. It worked like magic. We certainly have him to thank along with the artists, and all the wonderful volunteers who always make it work so well."
Topping the auction results was James Kennedy's box that mirrors his geometric abstract paintings. The box drew $4,500, according to Gabrielle Bamberger for EEH. Other boxes drawing large sales were made by Randall Rosenthal, April Gornik and Stan Goldberg.
Contributing (and attending) artists include Randall Rosenthal, Will Ryan, Abby Abrams, Julie Small Gamby, Gregory Thorpe, Jim Gemake, Stephanie Reit, Karyn Mannix and others.
All proceeds from the Box Art Auction benefit East End Hospice, which provides care for terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the East End and the eastern townships in Brookhaven. The Hospice is poised to break ground on an East End Hospice Inpatient Facility in Quiogue, N.Y.
View Slideshow.
Abby Abrams with her box art. Photo by Wayne Cook. Courtesy East End Hospice.
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The crowd at the Box Art Auction, 2014. Photo by Wayne Cook. Courtesy East End Hospice.
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"Sag Harbor" by David Slater. Photo by Wayne Cook. Courtesy East End Hospice.
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To see images from the event, view our slideshow:
View SlideshowBASIC INFO: The Box Art Auction was held on September 6, 2014 at the Ross School in East Hampton, NY. The auction benefits East End Hospice. For more information, visit www.eeh.org.
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