ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 23, 1997 TAG: 9704230034
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: PULASKI
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER THE ROANOKE TIMES
Fine Arts Center returns to 'fabulous' '50s to raise money.
A '50s flavor will highlight the fourth annual "Art & More" auction starting with a silent auction at 7 p.m. Saturday at the annex of the Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley.
Hundreds of items have been donated by artists, businesses and individuals for the auction. Golf packages, a Norman Rockwell clock, trips, savings bonds and Charlotte Motor Speedway pole night tickets will be auctioned along with work by artists such as Jean Nelson, Armand Carney, Willard Gayheart, Kendall Kessler, David Crane and Mary Cox who have contributed work.
Casual dress is recommended, perhaps with a "fab '50s" flair, said Michael Dowell, center director.
"The number of ladies offering to wear poodle skirts is astounding," Dowell said, "and all the guys are happy to be able to leave their neckties at home and wear T-shirts."
The Pulaski County High School Players will perform a segment of their upcoming '50s musical, "Grease," during the auction. Bob Thomas of B&B Media will be master of ceremonies for the sock-hop atmosphere.
The auction is a major fund-raiser for the center, usually bringing in some $6,000 for center activities and educational programs.
"Our goal in the near future is to add a program director to our staff," Dowell said. "I am finding myself stretched way too thin, and I often shortchange activities as a result. I would like to know that all children in the area at least have the opportunity to take an arts class on a regular basis. If I can hire someone and give them the freedom to make that happen, I will be much happier with our programming. Fund-raisers like the auction are the only way such things will happen."
Following the social hour and silent auction, in which people write down their bids on selected objects, a live auction will start at 8 p.m. Refreshments will be contributed by local restaurants and caterers.
Further information is available by calling 980-7363.
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