SPRINGDALE – Now in its ninth year, the Art Auction for Education unites local artisans, businesses and bidders in a crusade to keep public school art education programs funded.

Kathy LaFave, the art auction’s organizer, said art programs in school were often the last to be funded. In some cases, these programs are also the first to be cut. The Art Auction for Education was conceived as a way to help counteract the loss of funding to local school art programs.

Featured at the auction will be a variety of pieces donated by local artists, sculptors and photographers. Local businesses will also be donating gift certificates towards the event.  LaFave said there was something for everyone at the auction.

“This project is a project well worth supporting,” LaFave said.

One hundred percent of the money raised by the art auction is put into an account overseen by the Foundation for Students of Washington County. Funds are taken from the account when a school needs to pay for art supplies, bring an artist or art teacher into the school, or even buy musical instruments.

While the auction was originally set up to support Springdale Elementary, money raised by the auction in the past has been so great that it has allowed the Foundation for Student of Washington County to share the wealth.

On the average, the auction raises between $6,000 and $12,000.

LaFave pointed out that the money raised by the auction isn’t always used up, and there is usually some leftover from year to year. This allows for the special projects to be undertaken from time to time.

This year, the auction, in collaboration with the Foundation for Children in Need, will deliver an art project created by the students of Springdale Elementary to children in Haiti. Art supplies will also be sent. The Haitian children will then create an art project of their own, which will be sent back to Springdale.

“It bridges a gap between cultures,” LaFave said. “We’re really excited about it.”

For people who may be interested in organizing similar events for their local schools, LaFave encourages them not to be afraid and move forward. Art education is important and must be supported because,

“A piece of paper and a box of crayons are not enough to get a substantial start in art.”

The Art Auction for Education will be held on Wednesday, October 5, on the front lawn of Springdale Elementary School in Springdale. For more information, contact Kathy LaFave at 435-668-5771.

[email protected]

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