The 25th annual Box Art Auction benefiting East End Hospice will take place Saturday, August 23, at Hoie Hall at St. Luke’s Church in East Hampton, located at 18 James Lane. The event will feature works by approximately 80 East End artists, each transforming small, unadorned boxes into unique, collectible pieces of art.
The auction has become a signature event of the late-summer season in East Hampton since it first launched in 2000. It was created as a creative fundraiser to support the new East End Hospice, now the region’s only independent, nonprofit hospice care provider.
Arlene Bujese, benefit chair and curator since the auction’s second year, said many longtime participants and first-time contributors have come together to mark the 25th anniversary. Notable artists include Monica Banks, Darlene Charneco, Marilyn Church, Eric Dever, Durell Godfrey, Leif Hope, Carol Hunt, Dennis Leri, Christa Maiwald, Fulvio Massi, Paton Miller, Roy Nicholson, Gabriele Raacke, Dan Rizzie, Randall Rosenthal, Hans van de Bovenkamp and Dan Welden.
“It’s a meaningful cause and a fun event — and a chance to go home with wonderful, affordable, portable art,” Bujese said.
The benefit will begin on Saturday, August 23, with a silent auction and reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by a live auction at 6 p.m. with Lucas Hunt serving as auctioneer. Tickets are $100 and include wine and hors d’oeuvres. In honor of the occasion, the Spirit of Community Award will be presented to Dr. Julie Ratner, founder and president of the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Prior to the auction event, the public may view the art boxes in person on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hoie Hall. A “Meet the Artists” preview reception will also be held Wednesday, August 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.
“All proceeds help ensure that every person facing loss receives expert, compassionate care at no cost to themselves or their families,” said Mary C. Crosby, president and CEO of East End Hospice. “We support more than 750 terminally ill patients and their loved ones each year across the East End, and provide bereavement services to the broader community.”
For tickets and information, visit eeh.org. To place an absentee bid or request an invitation, contact AJ Pegno at 631-288-7080 or email apegno@eeh.org.
Staff Writer on Jul 14, 2025