The Festival of Arts will hold a special “open house” silent auction Saturday, Aug. 1, from 1 – 4 p.m., with proceeds supporting the Festival of Arts Building Fund.
The “housing project” was the brainchild of Festival exhibitor Vinta Voogd and artist Betty Haight ran with the idea. Mike Jones along with artist Stephen Lazarus cut and shaped the wooden foundations scores of for mini houses.
Over the last few weeks, Festival of Arts artists, staff and volunteers customized them into a collection of nearly 50 miniature artworks that reflect each individual’s personality and artistic style.
“The artists have absolutely gone crazy for this project. They have created houses beyond their usual mediums and used it as an opportunity to be funny, imaginative and bold,” said Haight. She continued, “The generosity they have shown in contributing their work to the Festival’s Building Fund renews my belief that they are among the most generous people you will meet.”
Jon Seeman incorporated his house into a 4 ½ feet tall steel sculpture entitled “The Getaway” – creating a steampunk retreat that includes vintage opera lens, compass, gears and scrap metal. Scott Moore built his satirical humor into his house turning it into a milk carton with a keyhole and entitling it “Milk Keyway.” Dennis Dunton, famous for his cow photos, transformed his house into a cow.
Additional participating artists include Hedy Buzan, Donna Ballard, Jack Bolta, Brian Giberson, Stephanie Cunningham, Lynda Fountain, Betty Haight, Molly Hutchings, Kathy Jones, Mada Leach, Carla Merberg, Geri Medway, Jacquie Moffett, Ron Morrissette, Mariana Nelson, Claudia Olsen, Gerald Schwartz, Fabrice Spies, Tom Swimm, Vinta Voogd, Kirsten Whalen, and Wendy Wirth.
The silent auction will be held on the Festival of Arts grounds, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, with bids starting at $50. Any unsold houses will be available for purchase from the Festival’s gift shop.
