Just in time for Valentine’s Day, work from some of the region’s best known artists will be auctioned off at a gala to help fund tutoring, activities, and support for local, at-risk children. OpenDoors’ 2nd Annual Art Auction begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 12th at the Haywood Park Hotel and will auction over 40 pieces of artwork — paintings, sculpture, and mixed media pieces–from artists like Spencer Herr, Betty Clark, Taiyo La Paix, Meg Reilly, and Ursula Gullow and Rob Pulleyn.
OpenDoors is a nonprofit that helps children, living below poverty level, with a support network of local families who provide transportation to activities and tutoring. OpenDoors volunteers also provide mentorship and advocacy for these children, helping them gain access to resources like counseling, diagnostic testing, scholarships, internships, and tuition.
“We take a personal and whole-child approach, to helping kids who are growing up in some tough neighborhoods and struggle with some incredibly complex problems,” said Jen Ramming, executive director for the organization. “We know these kids have something to offer our community and we want them to thrive, rather than chose a path that leads them to jail, or early parenthood, and ultimately perpetuates the cycle of poverty.”
All proceeds from the auction will fund OpenDoors programs. “We’re an all-volunteer organization. So you know your donation goes directly to helping children,” said Ramming.
“What’s great about buying your spouse or partner a piece of art for Valentine’s Day is it — you support local children, and you support a non profit that is really invested in strengthening the Asheville community. And,” she said, “you get to hang an incredible piece of artwork on your wall.”
Tickets to the event are $75 per person, $100 per couple. VIP ticket holders are $100 per person. VIP ticket holders are eligible for a pre-gala cocktail party, where they can meet the artist and preview some of the work. To buy tickets, visit www.opendoorsasheville.org or call Jen Ramming at 828-777-1135.
