Organizers of the Student Life Art Auction hope the event puts people in season-of-giving mode.
The Christmas tree is lit and the first chill of winter is in the air; that means it’s time for the season of giving to begin again. Elizabethtown College’s Student Life Art Auction gives campus community members the venue to do just that.
The event, now in its fourth year, is from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 from 6-9 p.m. in the KAV and it will feature a buffet supper, live music, artwork, homemade cookies and camaraderie with friends and co-workers Tickets, available at the door are $25 for employees and community members and a meal swipe and $8 for students.
The “main act” of the evening is an art auction; proceeds benefit the Carole L. Isaak ALANA Scholarship Fund, created in honor of Isaak upon her retirement from her position as assistant director of Academic Advising at the College. Jean-Paul Benowitz, Director of Student Transition, and one of Isaak’s colleagues, helped create the scholarship fund.
“Carole was a lecturer in the English department for over 20 years… When she retired in the spring of 2010 her colleagues honored her with the establishment of a scholarship fund for ALANA (African, Latino/Latina, Asian, Native American) students to recognize her extensive commitment over the years to creating a diverse campus community,” said Benowitz.
Many people have said they look forward to this annual event as a way to get into the holiday spirit and inaugurate the holiday season.”
All items up for auction were donated by local artists, including several E-town employees.
“Watercolors, oil paintings, pen, ink and charcoal sketches, needlepoint, collage, photographs, pottery, all produced by students, faculty, staff, and local artists or donated from art collections of people within the campus community,” said Benowitz, adding that items on the auction block include work from Harrisburg artist Susan Bircher; Sylvia T. Morra, interim director of the High Library; and Sue Darling, manager of Mail Services. Also, Director of Information and Technology Services Ron Heasley donated a few pieces of art from his personal collection.
“There are pieces of art affordable for students and make for great residence hall decorations or holiday gifts…” said Benowitz.
In addition to the live auction, guests can purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets, donated by various student clubs and organizations, or bid on donated jewelry and other trinkets in a silent auction. Live music from Mrs. Issak’s husband, Dr. Troy Isaak and Bruce Campbell ’76 will accompany the artwork. Elizabethtown’s a capella ensembles, Phalanx, Melica, and Vocalign, also will entertain the crowd.
Planners say that every year the event has brought the scholarship fund support–and joy to those who attend.
“Most importantly, everyone has fun and every year we take pride in getting a little closer to meeting our goal of endowing the scholarship,” said Benowitz. “Many people have said they look forward to this annual event as a way to get into the holiday spirit and inaugurate the holiday season. It brings people together from all across the campus, brings alumni back to the college, and includes the local community.”