Loyalhanna Watershed Association plans annual art auction

Loyalhanna Watershed Association is planning its 35th annual signature fundraising art auction, featuring works from local and national artists.

Plans include an open bar reception with hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a three-course dinner and live auction from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Latrobe Country Club, 346 Arnold Palmer Drive, Unity.

This year’s theme celebrates the beauty of “Seasons.”

Participating artists come from Pennsylvania, Colorado, San Diego, Calif., and places in between, says Susan Huba, the association’s executive director.

“Each year we try to come up with a new theme that reflects the natural beauty of our environment, and the theme this year has really allowed the participating artists the opportunity to focus on many different elements,” Huba says. “This helps to support our land conservation efforts. … We have 300 acres of property all throughout the watershed.”

Funds additionally help with public education and outreach programming, Huba says.

All originals

“Everything is original, created for this event,” Huba says.

Art works include paintings, jewelry, clothing, photography, pottery.

“The art auction started as a wildlife art show. We had a show with awards and met many artists that way. Some of these artists have been participating for decades. We have some new artists as well,” Huba says.

Participating artists include Gordon Allen, Dix Baines, Gail Beem, Dawn Brown, William DeBernardi, Francis DeFabo, Ron Donoughe, Ned Ewell, Peggy Fischbeck, Helen Keegan-Geroux, Bud Gibbons, Claire Hardy, Richard Hower, Lydia Mack, Jack Mayer, Lisa McChesney, Joan Mudge, Joseph Teplitz, Andrew Thornton, Nancy Richards West and Lisa Dawn White.

“We have a silent auction with 26 items, typically smaller in size and range of value,” Huba says. “Pieces are usually 12-by-12 or so, smaller and more affordable ($50 to $1,200) for people to buy an original piece,” she says.

Ligonier auctioneer Larry Hendrick will direct the live auction, with signature pieces by Rita Kambic Haldeman, Lynne Lockhart, Leo Osborne and local spouses and artists, Nora and Stuart Thompson of Whitney.

“We have a husband and wife (art team) this year, so that makes it interesting,” Huba adds.

Those six pieces tend to be larger in size and value, Huba says, about $2,000 or higher.

“Typically everything goes, which is great,” she says.

Those interested in previewing the artwork may stop by the watershed association’s office at 6 Old Lincoln Highway West, Ligonier, during normal business hours, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, up until the event.

Tickets are $125.

Details: 724-238-7560, ext. 3#