One local organization has found a way to turn the unique, stylized work of local artists into functional pieces for the home, all while raising money for the education of local students.
For the first year, the Voorheesville Dollars for Scholars program will host “Sittin’ Pretty: Seat for Scholars,” an auction of benches decorated by local artists to benefit a series of scholarships presented to Voorheesville High School seniors. The auction will be a part of the group’s annual chocolate and wine pairing event.
“We had originally wanted to do the fundraiser using chairs, but when we saw the benches we thought they could be incorporated more easily into people’s homes,” said event coordinator Karen Finnessey.
The fundraiser is similar to the one that produced the large painted Saratoga racehorses that can be found throughout the Spa City. The cost of each bench was sponsored by a local business owner, but the twist is those who bid on the benches will be able to keep them. All of the proceeds will then go toward the scholarships presented to seniors at the end of the year.
There are a total of 12 benches. Each is painted by a different artist with a design of their own creation.
“You can really see how much time has been put into (each bench),” said Linda Pasquali, who is also helping plan the event. “I think they are very proud of their work.”
Diane Wozniak, a local watercolor artist who is known for her scenes of Voorheesville, helped recruit her artistically-talented friends to join the project. Other contributors include Annie Brill, Judy Douglas, Dory Joy, Cathy Laccetti, Denise Mason, Gail Michalak, Laura Morrill, Alison Swanson, Deborah Van Zink and Patrick Von Dell.
Students from the high school’s Portrait Prep class designed the last bench.
“We left it to the artist to do what they want with it,” said Pasquali. “You can see the artist’s style come out in each one and when they are lined up next to each other, you really realize how unique they are.”
The Voorheesville Dollars for Scholars program awards 15 or more $750 scholarships each year.
According to Finnessey, each student must apply to win and is scored blindly using a point system so those evaluating the application do not know the name of the student. Good grades, community service and school involvement earn students extra points, as does volunteering to participate in Dollars for Scholars fundraising events.
“This is a nice opportunity for kids to get a nice sized scholarship,” she said. “It could be used to buy books. I think these awards are of a more significant amount than others presented at the end of the year.”
The bench auction, which will be hosted by Voorheesville Elementary School Principal Thomas Reardon, will take the place of the silent auction usually held during the group’s annual chocolate and wine pairing event. The price ($12 in advance, $15 at the door), includes unlimited trips to the dessert buffet and wine pairings. Student pianists Rebecca Barron and Erin Gannon will provide live music.
There will be a minimum bid of $75 per bench. The benches can be viewed before the event at local businesses throughout Voorheesville.
“This is a great and fun way to support the continuing education of our students,” said Finnessey.
