Daily photo by Jonathan Palmer This original sketch by Charles Schulz is one of the items up for bidding at Decatur Public Library’s Pen to Paint Art Auction on Thursday.

Library’s Pen to Paint auction offers local, famous artwork

Decatur Public Library’s second annual Pen to Paint Art Auction featuring works inspired by literature will be Thursday.

Along with 50 paintings from 25 local artists, one of the largest private art collectors in the nation has donated four original drawings from famous artists, said Shirley Holliday, project chairwoman.

Charles Schulz’s sketches of Peppermint Patty and Schroeder and his piano, Dr. Seuss’ colored pencil illustration of Cat in the Hat and a Norman Rockwell pencil drawing are the highlight of the fundraiser.

The drawings are worth thousands, but bidding will start at $200 to $500 for the four pieces.

“It is just an amazing thing that happened to the library,” said Holliday, who is vice president of Friends of the Library, which is sponsoring the event.

Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. with a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and live music by The Dacoda Brass Quintet. The live auction, with auctioneer Scott Willis of Willis Gray Gallery, will follow at 7.

For people who may not be able to afford bigger pieces, the silent auction offers items with minimum bids from $25 to $175, Holliday said.

Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Library, which provides items and services for the library that are above its regular budget.

You can preview the artwork at the library this week. Call 353-2993, ext. 104, for more information.

Andrea Brunty

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