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The Bay School’s 11th Annual Fine Art Auction held on October 3 “exceeded expectations” said co-chairs Sue Hill and Gay Butler, “The evening was a grand success. Supporters of the Bay School are wonderful people. We raised more funds than any other year. We had a beautiful evening with perfect temperatures. The moonlight of a full harvest moon on the waters of Woodas Creek was breathtaking. Everyone said they had a great time!”
John and Rennie Dutton opened their home, The Farmhouse on Woodas Creek, to the Auction this year. Lighted tents, set up on the waterside lawn, were decorated with vividly colored tablecloths and floral centerpieces in keeping with this year’s theme “Collage of Color.” Guests enjoyed the catered buffet with their choice of dining under a tent or circulating among the tall tabletops on the lawn. “Strings and Things” provided music during the evening.
Meanwhile the silent auction was underway inside the house where Tina McCloud played her bowed psaltery. Approximately 30 donated items were artfully displayed in the Dutton’s River Room. Bidders circled the room. As the clock ticked on, bidding was heating up. Then the final call “Pencils down!” rang out. With lots of smiles for the winners and a few frowns for the unlucky ones, guests moved outside for the main event…the Live Auction under the Big Tent.
Art Miller, Chairman of the Bay School Board, greeted the guests with heartfelt appreciation for their help in keeping the School growing. Art asked Sue Hill and Gay Butler, co-chairs, and Kim Moore, Director of the Bay School, to stand for recognition of their hard work and leadership. He then introduced this year’s Honored Guest, Gib Pulley, who stood to a rousing round of applause. Gib, noted artist and Mathews County resident, donated an original watercolor that John and Julie Dayton won.
Bidding during the Live Auction was fast and furious with each of 37 items going for more than expected. Mary Ann Carr introduced each item as it came up for bid with her usual flair and infectious good humor. The crowd appreciated the high energy and enthusiasm of the auctioneer team of Vern and Mary Jane Michael. They kept the bidders on their toes and reaching for their wallets…oops, I mean paddles. Watching the bidding wars was the best entertainment in town.
Just when everyone thought the auction was over, Art Miller had a trick up his sleeve…literally. His “outlandish black and white art deco” dinner jacket was going up for bid! As Harvey Morgan modeled it, the bidding went higher and higher. When the auctioneer finally shouted, “SOLD,” Jay Black was the winner. But there was one more surprise. Jay immediately donated the jacket back to the Bay School to be auctioned again next year!
Monday Sue Hill was still excited, “All the volunteers and committee chairman were fantastic. Everyone worked hard to make it happen. That’s what makes it work.” Art Miller agrees, “The Auction gets better and better each year, both how it’s run and how much money is raised. The Bay School is an asset to Mathews. We reach out to every age level through our programs. It’s a source for art and cultural events. We thank our Bay School supporters for keeping the Bay School thriving. We will continue to provide quality art education and outreach programs. Hope to see you next year.”
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