It was a chance to buy quality art at very good prices.
The Sunshine Coast's Arts Council mounted its big fundraising event of the year at the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre last Saturday night. To the sing-song cry of volunteer auctioneer Wayne Skinner, the crowd bid on donated works from artists of all calibres. Among the items were paintings from such big names as distinguished artist Gordon Smith and the late Don Jarvis, and from local leading lights such as Jack Olive with his giant pottery plates and Ed Hill, whose fisherman print enjoyed some hectic bidding in the silent auction.
Some of the most striking pieces, such as Paddy Wales' photograph of the heart of a flower and Tella Sametz's dazzling lily pond rendition, drew crowd interest. Only a very few items did not meet their reserve bid.
Both former Arts Council president Nicholas Simons and current president Dorothy Fraser were on hand to socialize with supporters.
