Camden gallery to host silent art auction fundraiser for library

The Camden Public Library is putting together a silent art auction featuring Midcoast artists. Included is “Faith,” by Peter Ralston. Contributed photo

The Camden Public Library is putting together a silent art auction featuring Midcoast artists. The show is scheduled to be on display from Saturday to Saturday, Nov. 6-13, at Page Gallery at 23 Bay View St. in Camden.

Nov. 13 is an all-day open house reception at the gallery, welcoming viewers and bidders from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bids can be placed throughout the week, closing at 5 p.m. Nov. 13. The art auction is a fundraiser to benefit the library.

Participating artists include Ingrid Ellison, Greta Van Campen, Susan Van Campen, Samantha Appleton, Colin Page, Gideon Bok, T. Allen Lawson, Kate Fitzgerald, Antonia Munroe, Peter Ralston, Julie Crane, Margaret Rizzio, Ni Rong and Ileana Appleton.

“Our library is an incredible asset to our community, and has done great work keeping residents informed and connected through this time of COVID,” said Page, owner of Page Gallery, according to a news release from the library.

“Diane’s Yellow Rose with Peonies,” by Susan Van Campen Contributed photo

“We are grateful to the local artists and our art-collecting neighbors who have stepped up to help with fundraising during the pandemic,” said library Executive Director Nikki Maounis. “For the second year in a row, the library had to cancel both the summer and fall Harbor Arts and Books fairs, typically our largest revenue-generating events. Proceeds from this year’s art auctions are crucial to helping the library sustain our vital services.”

Funds from the silent auction at the Page Gallery will be evenly split between the artists and the library. The public is invited to stop by gallery to see the art, make a donation to the library, or place a bid.

Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

The show can also be seen online at thepagegallery.com/exhibition/library. Absentee bids can be placed by phone or email to the gallery at 207-230-0848 or info@thepagegallery.com.