CHAIRity auction draws artists and patrons Sculpture Space

The OD reported that Sculpture Space’s signature CHAIRity event is turning 21, and organizers are betting on success with a gaming-themed fundraiser.

Attendees will be able to participate in games of chance before the annual live art auction.
“The entire space is transformed; it looks like a nightclub,” said Sculpture Space Executive Director Sydney Waller.

“Lord knows what they’re going to do with 22,” she added with a laugh.
But that’s jumping ahead. This year’s event is from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Sculpture Space, 12 Gates St. in Utica.

The highlight of the evening is the live CHAIRity auction, which will take place during the last two hours, from 6 to 8 p.m. Proceeds from auction of chairs and other original artwork including tables, ceramics and two-dimensional art benefit Sculpture Space’s artist in residence program.
“Our goal is that we can fully fund all 20 artists’ fellowships,” Waller said.

“One of the things I love about CHAIRity is there’s such a wonderful mix of artists from here in the Mohawk Valley (featuring the) skill and creativity that’s right here in the area and then some of our alumni send in work … ,” Waller said.

Chairs can cost anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars, Waller said.
She added that the auction is a place for savvy collectors, because often pieces are sold for a fraction of what their true value is.

From 4 to 6 p.m., patrons will have an opportunity to bid on services and smaller objects, like handcrafted jewelry, and services donated by local businesses in a silent auction.
Waller said local artist Joel Grimaldi, who has become a favorite among bidders, will be back this year. Grimaldi almost always wins The Mayor’s Award, given to the artist whose piece garnered the highest bid at the previous year’s event.

Another item to watch for is The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties’ Endowed Chair, which is being designed by Albany-area artist Abraham Ferraro.

Waller described Ferraro as a “superior craftsman and conceptual artist,” who was challenged “to design a chair that expresses the attributes of The Community Foundation,” Waller said.
“How to make something visual out of concepts like philanthropy and legacy is interesting,” she said.

Along with the games of chance, those attending can take a chance on the Sculpture Space Grand Getaway Drawing; 125 $100 tickets will be sold.

The winner can choose one of six getaway packages – ranging from a week in Calabria, Italy, for four (transportation not included) to an olive oil tasting and opera concert in your own home.
But for those who aren’t bidding, Waller said, CHAIRity still has something to offer: A good time.

Along with the games, enjoy free hors d’oeuvres provided by area restaurants and a cash bar.
“Sculpture Space is famous for its parties,” Waller said. “We want to knock ourselves out for a really good time in exchange for somebody’s $30.”