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50-50 sale to replace auction

As part of their silver anniversary celebrations, the Sunshine Coast Arts Council is departing from their annual art auction in June with a new concept, a Half and Half Art Sale to be held on Saturday, June 5, at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sec

As part of their silver anniversary celebrations, the Sunshine Coast Arts Council is departing from their annual art auction in June with a new concept, a Half and Half Art Sale to be held on Saturday, June 5, at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt at 7 p.m. The former art auction had been a serious fund-raiser for the arts council, but president Helen Ible says the board decided to risk something new.

In the past, they had relied on the generosity of the artists to consign or donate work. "We saw wonderful pieces walk out of here at too low prices for the value of the item," said Ible. This year, they will sell at prices set for them - or not at all. The proceeds from any work priced between $100 and $250 will be shared half by the artist and half by the arts council. Work priced under $100 will be sold by silent auction with a minimum bid of $25, again shared between the artist and the arts council.

Artistic pieces on sale that evening could include the work of potters, painters, fabric artists, woodworkers, makers of jewellery and beadwork, garden ornament makers and others. Right now, the works are under wraps to be brought out only on June 5. Instead of a tense auction atmosphere, this has been planned as a fun gala evening at the Arts Centre with the sale and silent auction accompanied by the piano music of Angela Johnson, a wine and beer bar and refreshments. Artists who would like to participate should call the arts council at 604-885-5412. Art works can be submitted only until May 30.