Pen to Paint Art Auction offers local, famous artwork

Decatur Public Library’s second annual Pen to Paint Art Auction featuring works inspired by literature will be Nov. 1. 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-$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.

“It’s good for the library and good for the artist,” she said. “Whatever the auction price is, that is split 50/50 with the artist.”

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

“The Friends help with ... bookshelves, carpeting, beautification ... whatever (the library) needs, we try to provide,” Holliday said.

You can preview the artwork at the library the week of Nov. 1, though the original artwork by Seuss, Rockwell and Schulz will be on display only at the auction. Call 353-2993, ext. 104, for more information.

- Andrea Brunty

Want more?

Contact local artist Doug Smith at ssmith@hiwaay.net or 351-8031 or visit www.grecocollectibles.com for more information.

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