Great Art for a Great Cause
A Time-Honored Summer Tradition Continues
22nd Box Art Auction Benefiting East End Hospice Scheduled for August 26
The late summer tradition of the Box Art Auction benefiting East End Hospice (EEH)) will take place on Saturday, August 26th, at St. Luke’s Church Hoie Hall in East Hampton (18 James Lane).
“Over 80 artists on the East End have once again contributed their time, talent and singular creativity to produce unique works of portable art for this most worthy cause,” says Arlene Bujese, Benefit Chair.
“EEH is one of the most loving organizations when the light dims near the end of living,” explains a longtime participating artist. “To help thru donating, as artists do with their work, or through volunteering, is one of the most profound and satisfying acts.”
Ms. Bujese reports that among the artists who have answered the call to create memorable boxes for this 22nd auction are12 who have participated every year since the event’s inception and (seven??I lost the list) others who are participating for the first time.
This year’s artists include: Marilyn Church, Leif Hope, Carol Hunt, James Kennedy, Dennis Leri, Christa Maiwald, Barbara Maslen, Fulvio Massi, Gabriele Raacke, Dan Rizzie, Randall Rosenthal, Hans van de Bovenkamp, and Dan Welden. Artists are given small donated wood cigar and wine boxes -- using the box inside and out as a canvas or base. With styles ranging from traditional landscapes to abstract art, the art forms incorporated this year are ceramics, sculpture, painting, collage, assemblage and needlework on fabric.
The 2023 Spirit of Community Award will be presented at the benefit to Kathleen King, an East End tradition as founder of Tate’s Bake Shop.
Leading up to the benefit the boxes can be previewed at Hoie Hall on Wednesday, August 23rd and Thursday, August 24th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Wednesday, August 23rd, from 5-7 p.m., the public is invited to a “Meet the Artists” preview reception at Hoie Hall. Completed boxes can also be viewed on the Hospice website, www.eeh.org.
At the benefit on August 26th, a Silent Auction will begin at 4:30 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 5:45, with Lucas Hunt as Auctioneer. Wine and hors d'oeuvres are included in the $100 benefit ticket price.
All proceeds will benefit East End Hospice, which provides care for terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the North and South Forks of Long Island, including the Eastern Suffolk County townships of Brookhaven. The Box Art Auction benefits residents of the Town of East Hampton communities.
“This past year has brought about tremendous challenges for our community,” says Mary C. Crosby, President and CEO of East End Hospice, which is the only independent, community-based hospice on Eastern Long Island. “Programs such as the Box Art Auction help ensure that every person facing loss has the expert, compassionate care they need at no cost to themselves or their family.”
Last year, over 800 patients received hospice care -- more than in any other year in EEH’s history. In addition, hundreds of clients received grief and bereavement support, and 173 campers attended Camp Good Grief.
For further information, to place an absentee bid or to receive an invitation, please call Theresa Murphy at the East End Hospice development office (631-288-7080) or via email (tmurphy@eeh.org).
