14 years ago, supporters of East End Hospice (EEH) first asked one hundred well-known artists in the area to choose a small, unembellished box, and use it to create a unique work of art that would be put up for auction to benefit East End Hospice. The tradition is continuing this year on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at the annual Box Art Auction held at the Ross School.
“EEH is one of the most loving organizations when the light dims near the end of living,” said Hans Van de Bovenkamp, a participating box artist. “To help through donating, such as artists do with their work, or through volunteering, is one of the most profound and satisfying acts.”
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Art by Don Saco. (Courtesy Photo) |
The benefit’s Honorary Committee includes noteworthy East Enders such as Alec Baldwin, the Reverend Denis Brunelle, Michael Cinque, Theodore Conklin, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Sheldon Harnick, Charles Hitchcock, Barbara Layton, Hon. Paul F. Rickenbach, Jr., David Wilt and Susan Kennedy Zeller.
Prior the auction, the public can view the boxes during a preview on Wednesday, August 27th, and Thursday, August 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hoie Hall at St. Luke’s Church (18 James Lane, East Hampton). The public is also invited to a free “Meet the Artists” preview reception at Hoie Hall on Wednesday, August 27th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Box Art Auction will take place on September 6th with a silent auction starting at 4:30 p.m., and live auction beginning at 5:45 p.m. Lucas Hunt will lead the auction.
“My family has used EEH and I personally have had the experience of using Hospice for my mom. Without them we would not have been able to grant the wishes of our parents to spend their last days at home in comfort,” said artist Daniel Pollera. “Every time I paint a box I know the money raised at auction will benefit a great service for many families.”
During the event, the 2014 Spirit of Community Award will be presented to Barbara Layton, owner of Babette’s Restaurant in East Hampton, for her constant and admirable acts of generosity to East End Hospice, and also to the East End community at large.
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Art by Stephanie Reit. (Courtesy Photo) |
“Artists on the East End have once again contributed their time, talent and singular creativity to produce these unique works of portable art for this most worthy cause,” noted Arlene Bujese, Box Art Auction chair member.
This year’s auction features artwork from 90 talented artists including Eric Fischl, Connie Fox, Stan Goldberg, April Gornik, James Kennedy, William King, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Daniel Pollera, Randall Rosenthal and Frank Wimberley.
“Besides the satisfaction of creating it, I’m able to enjoy the added gratification of knowing that as a donation my art work may serve as a valid contribution to the support of one of our community’s most appreciated and valued organizations,” said Don Saco, a contributing artist.
All proceeds from this event will benefit East End Hospice directly, which provides care for terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the North and South Forks of Long Island, including the Eastern Suffolk County townships of Brookhaven. The Hospice is about to break ground on a new inpatient facility in Quiogue.
This auction is always a highlight at the end of the summer season, and is the organization’s only annual benefit held in East Hampton that supports residents of the Town of East Hampton, so be sure not to miss it.
Tickets to East End Hospice’s Box Art Auction are $75.
The Ross School Center for Well Being is located at Goodfriend Road in East Hampton. For more information, or to view a preview of the 2014 completed boxes, visit www.eeh.org.
