AOP closes out Little Art Exhibit fundraiser
Published 6:47 pm Monday, May 16, 2016
From Arts of the Pamlico
The closing reception for Arts of the Pamlico’s Little Art Exhibit Fundraiser will happen on Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The reception will be held in the Turnage Theatre and Gallery at 150 W. Main St. in Washington.
The fundraiser is only made possible by the support of local and regional artists. Artists are given an 8-by-10-inch canvas and asked to create a work of art. They then donate their work to AOP where it is sold to patrons — $30 for one or $100 for four. The works are distributed to purchasers at the exhibit’s closing reception. Purchasers do not have to be present to receive their work.
The unique aspect of the fundraiser is that patrons do not know which work they will receive until the closing reception. All pieces are randomly numbered and patrons receive a number (or numbers) of their choosing at the time of purchase. At no time are the numbers known to the public — even AOP staff is not aware of the numbering system.
According to AOP Executive Director Joey Toler, the organization expects to sell all canvases. “If the past is any indication, we will be selling canvases to the end, as artists are bringing us works right up until the exhibit closes,” said Toler. “The really fun part is when the distribution process is done, and patrons begin to exchange and trade work among themselves.”
The exhibit has been on display for the past few weeks. “An advantage of having our own gallery space is that the public can view the little art for a couple of weeks versus just a few days when we used to hold this event at the Civic Center,” said Toler.
As of Friday, there were still a few chances to purchase work. Anyone interested in purchasing can call 252-946-2504 or visit the Turnage.
“For me, this is the perfect fundraiser for the arts council,” said Toler. “It involves our artists, our patrons, and everyone leaves with an original piece of art. What could be better?”