Art guild raises money via auction
Friday evening in a creepy, dark art studio, in room 209 of the Fine Arts Building, the Utah State University Student Art Guild held their 25th-annual Halloween Art Auction. Raising money for a good cause, they more than $1,000.
The evening started out with guests mingling with others and viewing the auction pieces and a wall of buttons. Christopher Terry, the auctioneer and professor in the art department, called out the crowd and started the auction.
The items were varied, ranging from large prints, paintings and photos, to metal underpants and even a puffer fish. There was even a silent auction with buttons made by students.
Scott Foster, a first-year graduate student from Boise, Idaho, came to get some good deals and see what the auction was like. He also donated some of his artwork to benefit the guild.
“This is my first time. I heard how funny the auctioneer was and I wanted to see. I’ve really got my eye on some of those items though. The canvas stretchers are cool, but I’m looking for that puffer fish,” he said.
Although he didn’t get the fish, he did pick up a few other things.
The range of people at the auction was tremendous. Many were first timers who had heard a lot about the auction. Others had been a few times before and really enjoyed it.
“I’ve always had to work the night of the auction, so I made it a point to make it to this one. I’m interested to see how the night goes and what the auctioneer will do,” James Munford, a senior majoring in art education, said.
One of the more interesting participants was Judy Natal, a guest lecturer from Chicago.
“I came to Utah State to lecture on my work in photography. I was told about the auction and the Art Guild and just had to see what was going on,” she said. “We don’t have anything like this at my school and I am just so impressed with how well this is all run.”
Terry kept the crowd alive with his running dialogue and quick comments as he auctioned one piece after another. With the lights turned low and his interest in the pieces obvious, he would often lose count of the bid while telling stories about the items.
There was also a costume contest. Varying from last year, all of the contestants paraded across a makeshift stage to strut their stuff and show off their costumes to the judge. Dolly Parton, Bob Ross (the TV painter) and many others were present. Judy Natal was chosen as judge and deliberated over the many choices.
After passing up the secret ballot, Terry read the results at the end of the night. Amid laughter and applause, the Tin Man won. His prize, a converted baseball trophy with a statuette of Blue Boy topping it.