‘Natural Glam’ Art Auction is Conducive to Education

from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
— Bobby Ampezzan
Posted on Sunday, October 12, 2008

FAYETTEVILLE — It was a brilliant stroke, transforming the ecru-toned Fayetteville Town Center into a space vivid and rustic, a “natural glam” art show.

Guests of the fourth annual Art Auction for Independence walked into a fully sensory experience Oct. 2. Hosted by United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Arkansas, the event raised more than $ 30, 000 between ticket sales and silent and live auctions. Displayed around the hall and throughout the lobby were 152 paintings, prints and sculptures donated by local artists or made by students of the Conductive Education of Northwest Arkansas program. The Springdale school, founded by Leslie and Phil Porter, helps more than 50 children with cerebral palsy improve their motor skills and increase their independence. The Porters’ daughter, Mackenzie, is one of its success stories. At the auction, guests got a good look at the 12-year-old’s composure and ease, qualities she’s mastering in school.

“She doesn’t mind the limelight at all, so who knows what she’ll get to do someday with that,” Leslie Porter said. “Her confidence has come with the successes she’s gained... at CE.” Inside the hall were abstract impression-inspired canvases hung like banners from the ceiling. Each muslin-wrapped table featured colorful glass gems and logs harvested by committee members and studded with candles. Amanda Reed was decor chairman for the event, and she called the motif “natural glam.” Several guests commended committee members for the splendor of the evening.

Jennifer Watts, community development specialist, said the event made some important changes in this, its fourth year. Previous events were held at the Nadine Baum Studios, a smaller, less elegant space. This year, too, organizers lost their Alltel sponsorship but gained some new donations and a cast of new, enthusiastic committee members. Proceeds matched last year’s haul.

The live auction pieces “Got You Pegged,” a mirror and steel piece by Brandon White, and Kiddie Klimt, a painting by the children of Conductive Education of Northwest Arkansas, went to Brent and Ronda Butler for $ 700 and David Allen for $ 750, respectively. A Dell Chambers painting of Darren McFadden fetched more than $ 400 in the silent auction.