The original artwork of four artists selected from 20 entries by 16 area artists will be featured on limited-edition greeting cards available this fall to benefit The Volunteer Connection, a non-profit agency that provides talented volunteers for causes and events throughout Salina.
Participating artists and many art lovers will be among the guests at the 10th annual “Connections of the Heart” Greeting Card Art Auction, scheduled for Sunday afternoon, September 16, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Christ Episcopal Cathedral’s Parish Hall. Open to the public with free admission, the gala will premiere the 20 framed original works submitted for this year’s Greeting Card series, with the 10th Anniversary Card series and other art-related objects available for direct purchase or silent-auction bid.
“These artists give their time and talents generously to support the work of The Volunteer Connection,” says Nancy Klostermeyer, Executive Director. “In turn, we use these resources to match the time and talents of volunteers of all ages within our community to serve its needs.” Klostermeyer says the Greeting Card Art Auction party is popular because “it’s rare to have the opportunity to meet so many artists under one roof. Also, knowing that Auction attendees will help us match willing volunteers with the community’s needs as they bid on the Card Art pieces or other auction items, gives them a great feeling.”
A wide variety of media are represented in the 20 original framed works, including acrylic, colored pencil, digital collage, embellished fiber, mixed media, oil, photography and watercolor. Artists who contributed works this year are Bobbie Berg, John Black, Dale Cole, Larry Cullins, Shawn Delker, Sally Downing, Maleta Forsberg, Ken Greene, Dixie Lee Haddock, Bill Hottman, Jenna Penquite, Sylvia Phillips, Joyce Roe, Catherine Silhan, Brenda Strecker and Kristy Yenkey. The four works selected by popular vote to be featured on this year’s Greeting Cards are:
“Always Welcome,” watercolor by Bobbie Berg
“Autumn Pathways,” photograph by Dale Cole
“Marymount College from North Street,” watercolor by Larry Cullins
“A Fine Fellow,” watercolor by Maleta Forsberg
“Many of the participating area artists are well-recognized and established within their fields,” says Klostermeyer, “yet their card-sized original works and other pieces available that night are accessible to art lovers with any budget.”
The Volunteer Connection mobilizes volunteers of all ages to address community needs through non-profit agencies, educational institutions, health care facilities and government offices. Sponsored by Kansas Wesleyan University, The Volunteer Connection receives primary support for its program services from the Salina Area United Way and the Corporation for National and Community Service. To receive an invitation to the Greeting Card Art Auction event or for more details about The Volunteer Connection, contact the office at 785-823-3128 or visit the agency’s website at www.nckvc.org.