Above: Tracey McCracken Palmer (Photo by Robert Ludlow)
When we observe an artist’s creative process, we can’t help but feel both mesmerized and inspired. On Saturday, June 4, QuickDraw combines philanthropy and art as 40 area artists are given a one-hour time challenge to create something new and exciting. After the time’s up, each artist speaks at the podium about their work. Then the auction begins.
Artists donate a minimum of half of their auction sale to fund classrooms of art teachers in Haywood County and college scholarships for high school seniors pursuing any art-related college major. This event runs from 4:30–9:30 p.m. at Laurel Ridge Country Club. Artists represent a range of media, including pottery, metal sculpture, woodworking, fiber art, acrylics, pastels, watercolor, fused glass, jewelry design, and basketry. The challenge for artists is to plan ahead, deciding what to create and how to depict it. (Some artists even practice ahead, timing themselves with kitchen timers.) An artist whose medium is too process intensive can demonstrate a work in progress and donate a finished work for the auction.
Some artists, however, figure out how to work start to finish. Encaustic artist Teri Siewert (t.e. siewert), of Waynesville, wields hot wax and a blowtorch. Painter Ann Vasilik says she embraces the event as “an exercise in reductionism.” This timed exercise, she says, compels her to commit the essence of her subject to paper with cleaner details, retaining her pops of color.
This event celebrates art and raises money for a great cause. Painter Cheryl Keefer says, “I am a full-time artist and a retired public school art educator. I know how critical art education is to every child, and I want to support funding for art education.”
Laurel Ridge Country Club is located at 49 Cupp Lane in Waynesville. For more information, including participating artists, visit wncquickdraw.com. Tickets ($60) include a buffet dinner and can be purchased in advance only by visiting wncquickdraw.com or at local businesses, to be announced.
