Arts Center Auction Draws Enthusiastic Crowd

The Winter Auction presented by the Cedar Key Arts Center on Saturday January 31st, was entertaining, well organized, and offered the opportunity to purchase some exceptional works of art.

Attendees registered, picked up their bidding paddles, and had time to view the dozens of art works up for auction before the action began. The evening included a Silent Auction in the small upstairs gallery, with an eclectic mix of offerings from a hand-made book covered in buttery soft kidskin by local artist Lois Benninghoff, to a collection of books and memorabilia from renowned artist Claude Croney.

The items up for auction were divided into lots and assigned an auction time, so one need not be present for the entire auction process. (Though most folks stayed for the entire event.) Auctioneer Chad "Cracker" Johnson kept the program moving at a steady pace, and his humorous patter made for a very jovial evening.

There were several "bidding wars" for some of the more popular pieces, and the winners were given a hearty round of applause. "Canal at Nr. 1 Bridge", a watercolor by Guy Corriero, drew the largest bid of the evening at $750.00. Bidding was also fast and furious on a three piece grouping by Ted Coconis, that included an original pen and ink drawing. The most memorable bid of the evening was for a large oil on canvas board by local artist Constance Crane. Bids were popping up all around the room, and each was quickly countered by one gentleman (who eventually beat out all comers), none other than Rob Crane, Connie's adoring husband.

After the final auction of the evening, as the winning bidders departed with their prizes, the most oft heard comments were "what a lovely evening" and "I hope they do this again".