doing our pART: AN ONLINE ART AUCTION FOR THE VT FOODBANK
While we all know that "art feeds the soul", people need to feed their bodies first.
In response to the dire economic forecast Vermonters are facing this winter, the Arts Council has organized “doing our pART”, an online art auction to benefit the Vermont Foodbank.
More than 60 Vermont artists and arts organizations have donated an exciting array of art, jewelry, tickets, CDs, photography, sculpture, private concerts, music lessons and "arts experiences." This holiday season, purchasing Vermont art can feed the soul and body!
Click below for a preview of auction items. Online bidding will take place from November 28 – December 4, 2008 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Vermont Foodbank.
- Food prices are up an average 12.5% in the past year and staples like rice and potatoes have increased 30%.
- Stagnant wages and rising unemployment are driving a growing number of Vermont families to the brink of financial ruin.
- 14,500 Vermonters access the state’s charitable food system each week and middle class families are the fastest growing demographic in need.
- This year, the Vermont Foodbank expects an unprecedented 25-30% of Vermonters will tap into their services.
- For every dollar donated, the Foodbank can acquire and distribute 3 pounds of food.
TheVermont Foodbank is the state’s largest hunger-relief organization, serving more than 66,000 Vermonters annually through a network of 270 food pantries, soup kitchen, shelters, senior centers and after-school programs. Last year, the Vermont Foodbank distributed nearly 6.5 million pounds of food. Every week, 14,500 Vermonters access the state’s charitable food system with middle class families as their fastest growing demographic.
The Arts Council is still accepting contributions for the online auction. We are seeking donations of art, crafts, performance tickets and art-related services. We are open to creative ideas and “arts experiences” like one-on-one workshops with an artist, backstage passes, and other opportunities for people to have a hands-on or behind-the-scenes experience.
In order to raise as much money as possible, we’re requesting items that have a value of $100 or more and are of a relatively small size (in order to keep shipping costs manageable). Here are some suggestions:
- Visual artists and artisans can donate a work of art or a handcrafted item
- Arts organizations can donate tickets to an event or series of performances
- Performing artists can donate a house concert, private lessons, a workshop or CDs.
Bidding will begin at $100 for each item listed in the auction.
To contribute an item for the auction, simply complete and submit the form below: