Ogunquit News
"Almost Labor Day" auction a hit at OMAA as Capriccio gets underway
By C. Ayn Douglass
OGUNQUIT - Ogunquit Museum of American Art Curator Michael Culver reports the second annual "Almost Labor Day" silent auction "really exceeded expectations, really achieved perfection" this year.The "Almost Labor Day" auction was a kickoff event for the annual two-week Capriccio celebration in Ogunquit.
The final amount generated by the event is not fully tabulated yet as some expenses still need to be factored in, but Culver said attendance exceeded that of last year and he fully expects the proceeds from the event to exceed that of last year's $40,000.
"We still have bills out, but we did much better than last year - our first year," he said. "We also changed the (venue) slightly. Last year we held the auction outside under a tent; this year we had it inside and people really seemed to appreciate having the art around them. It worked out perfectly. We sold all but four of the 39 pieces and sold 200 tickets (for the event). And I know we'll do even better next year."
Art works in every medium including pastel, oil, collage, sculpture and photography were available for bid including one acrylic by Culver himself titled "Fields Below Mt. Agamenticus."
Culver, who has been with the OMAA for 24 years, said it relies on this fundraiser to help support the museum during its short season.
"Our season is July through October," he said. "After October, there is no income except endowments, so it means so much to us as a small museum to have so much support. It helps us plan for exhibits and renovations. But as a small museum, we are able to give the visitor the much-needed and expected attention they deserve."
Culver said the museum is grateful for a dedicated team of docents who are always available to help visitors learn about the exhibitions.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a docent for the museum is invited to call the museum next May to speak with Culver about donating a minimum of two hours weekly at what he calls "the most beautiful little museum in the world."
This year, OMAA was awarded the 2006 Excellence in Tourism Award in the category of Arts/Heritage and Culture. The award is given annually by the Maine Tourism Commission.
Meanwhile, Capriccio continues in the week ahead.
Saturday's special events include the Kite Festival at Ogunquit Beach at 10 a.m.; Nature Crafts Festival at Laudholm Farm from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Craft Fair at Wells Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a reception for a new exhibit at the Barn Gallery on Bourne Lane from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10, the Nature Crafts Festival will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with Tango Night, demonstration and dance lessons, at the Barn Gallery at 7 p.m.
On Monday, Sept. 11, Capriccio will feature tours and a memorial organ concert at St. Peter's Church from 9 a.m. to noon and an illustrated talk entitled "To Picture a Poet: Longfellow, the American Visual Imagination," by Charles Calhoun at the Barn Gallery at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 12, the OMAA will present the classic film "The Philadelphia Story" at 6 p.m.
Next Wednesday, Sept. 13, the classic salute to the Golden Age of Musicals, "That's Entertainment," will be presented at the Dunaway Center at 7 p.m.
On Thursday, Sept. 14, a gallery talk, "Photographer and Printmaker, Exploring Different Approaches to the Real World" will be held at the Barn Gallery at 7:30 p.m.
The final weekend of Capriccio will feature an antique show and sale at the Dunaway Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17, and an art auction for the Great Works Regional Land Trust at Jonathan's at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.
The final event of Capriccio 2006 will take place on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Ogunquit Playhouse with The Bossov Ballet presenting "The Red Shoes," choreographed by Andrei Bossov.
Ogunquit Performing Arts, sponsor of Capriccio, invites everyone to attend any and all of this year's Cappricio events.
For more about Capriccio, call 646-6170.
Associate Editor Jennifer L. Saunders contributed to this report.
