An Art Whodunit With Small Works and Big Names
The drawings, paintings, photographs, and other works of art will measure just five by seven inches, but at the upcoming Springs Mystery Art Sale, the measure of their value may be much, much larger.
The fund-raiser will benefit the Springs School’s Visiting Artists Program, which teachers and parents say has been incredibly meaningful for the students since its inception eight years ago. The program connects professional artists with students for workshops and trips that supplement the students’ regular classroom activities.
“The impact has been profound, really, because they’re getting exposure to so many different varieties and styles of art and different personalities and resources,” said Colleen McGowan, a Springs art teacher who coordinates the program.
After raising $36,000 from the sale of 1,200 pieces in the first Mystery Art Sale last year, PTA volunteers are planning a repeat with the hope that it will again raise thousands. Every piece in last year’s show was sold, and on opening day a long line of people waited at the door before it had even opened.
The event is modeled after a similar one at the Royal College of Art in London, which often attracts artistic contributions from world-class artists and designers along with student work, all of which is displayed anonymously. This year, organizers of the Springs sale say the contributing artists and celebrities include Liza Minelli, Peter Dayton, David Salle, April Gornik, Toni Ross, Ross Bleckner, Dan Rizzie, Linda Capello, Eric Freeman, and Janet Jennings, among many, many more, also displayed anonymously. In addition to work by students, organizers have collected more than 300 pieces of work by a variety of professional and amateur artists. They will sell for $2o apeice.
This year’s event will be held from April 29 through May 3 at Ashawagh Hall, with display and purchasing hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on April 29, April 30, and May 1, and starting at 10 a.m. on May 2. A reception will be held at 2 p.m. on May 2, with select works up for auction at 3 p.m. Before the night is over, the big reveal will take place and buyers will be able to learn whose work they purchased. Artwork can then be picked up on May 3 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The deadline to contribute work has been extended to April 20. Those who wish to submit workcan request guidelines by emailing [email protected]. Packets for contributors, including sturdy watercolor paper, can also be picked up at the Golden Eagle art store on Newtown Lane in East Hampton.
Irena Grant, one of the event’s PTA organizers, said the Visiting Artists Program “flourished tremendously” following last year’s art sale.
“The students have unique opportunities to learn and experiment with various creative techniques and new ways of expressing themselves through art,” Ms. Grant said in an email. “It made us all aware just how much there is to be offered and shared.”
In the past, artists would volunteer for the Visiting Artists Program, but now, with the proceeds from the fund-raiser, the artists can be compensated for their time.
For Kym Fulmer, a professional artist who lives and works locally, participating in the program at the Springs School is a way to share her enthusiasm for art with children.
“I try and tailor the projects so they’re able to think about things and produce artwork that’s meaningful to them, using their homes, their families, and their hobbies,” Ms. Fulmer said.
It’s not just about art — there are life lessons to be learned along the way, too. On her recent visit to a Springs first-grade class, Ms. Fulmer told the students that it is okay to make mistakes because they can be a learning experience.
“I’m not always happy with what I make, but sometimes, you have to just keep moving on and making something new,” she told the children.
Andy Piver, a graphic designer and illustrator who works with the Project Most after-school anime club at the Springs School, is a visiting artist who is working with students to produce a comic book that will be available for sale.
“I think it’s a great program,” he said. “With the history of the arts culture in Springs . . . we’re so blessed we live in such a great area.”
Ms. McGowan said the program is “truly gratifying.”
“The artists feel supported, and the students see the artists as superheroes,” she said. “It’s been nice to build a community.”