"The Artful Auction" at Kerr + Jones Gallery drew about 50 people eager to score a good find while supporting the work of the Community Resource Council (CRC). This year, the third biennial, benefit auction at the popular East Boothbay gallery owned by Diana Kerr and Kathleen Jones, raised $7,000.

The event opened with remarks by Jones, Kerr, auctioneer Peter Panagore and Rep. Holly Stover, CRC executive director. Stover presented the CRC's mission and programs. The Community Navigator (Hannah Corkum) provides support through a needs assessment, budgeting, benefit applications, and basic needs assistance. The Woodchucks, who arewide-ranging age-wise, lead the wood program providing cords and emergency bundles to families heating homes with wood. They harvest and split wood every year and ensure it is seasoned. Stover reported last year 100 cords were delivered plus 300 emergency bundles. The Community Fridgeoperates as a 24/7 food pantry with refrigeration, freezers and climate control supported by the town. The service is for everyone who needs it, stigma free. No one has to know your name, no paperwork, just help when you need it. Food For Thought: Provides weekend food deliveries to children experiencing food insecurity. Fuel Assistance: Up to 100 gallons while requiring budgeting and LIHEAP applications. Set for Success provides equal back-to-school supplies without stigma. Every student gets all the same items.

Peter Panagore, auctioneer for a second year, had items created by the following artists and artisans: Peter Ralston, Tandem Glass, Andrea Peters, Kate Longmaid, David Witbeck, Whitney Gill, Wayne Robbins, Kim and Phillippe Villard, Kristy Cavaretta, Betsy Leighton, Gayle Fraas & Duncan Slade, Diana Kerr, Annette Stormont, Helen Farnham, Kathleen Jones, John Rogers, sweet bay, Kate Jones; and there were signed copies of "The Baycliff Saltwater Farm" by author Clarice Yentsch; and a gift certificate from Hammond Lumber.

Actual auction items included paintings, a netted sterling silver cuff bracelet, framed and unframed photos, pottery, a hand-turned poplar bowl with crushed lobster shell inlay, a hand-woven Moroccan basket, a hand-blown glass carafe, wood block print, woodcut print, wood carvings,and decoupage glass.

Both Jones and Kerr acknowledged the huge contributions of food and refreshments: Liz Evans of East Boothbay General Store; Kim Martin of Eventide Specialties (beverages); Whale's Tale/Carousel Marina, catering and beverages; and St. Andrews Village, catering the desserts.   

In her opening remarks, Jones thanked the sponsors of the event: The First Wealth Management, Bath Savings and J. Edward Knight; the art donors; auctioneer Panagore, and many others who lent a hand displaying the items or setting up the food, and those who brought flowers.

Stover thanked Kerr, Jones, and Samantha McGow, "... for the incredible work they did soliciting, curating, and carrying out an auction for the CRC that raised nearly $7,000." 

"Special thanks to Peter Panagore for serving as our auctioneer. To the amazing artists who gave of their time and talents: Thank you for all you have done to help us take care of our neighbors in need," Stover said. "To everyone who gave, attended, and made this event a success, we are so incredibly grateful."