TAKING CARE OF THEIR OWN
FESTIVAL EXHIBITORS DONATE ORIGINAL WORKS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS COME TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE ARTISTS ’ BENEVOLENCE FUND AUCTION .
From left : Artist Joan Gladstone , who donates items for the auction ; a glass wave piece up for bids ; David Nelson assisting with the auction
ART FROM THE HEART To raise money for the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund , a popular live auction is held annually at the Sawdust Art Festival grounds . This year , the event will take place Aug . 11 from noon to 3 p . m ., featuring original artwork by Sawdust artists , with all of the proceeds benefiting the fund . “ It is packed ,” says Sawdust artist Joan Gladstone . “ When I ’ ve gone up to see the auction in process , every single seat is filled and many people return year after year to see what ’ s available and to bid .” Candice Brokenshire , the treasurer on the fund ’ s board of trustees , says the auction organizers ’ hearts are always full when they see how many Sawdust artists are willing to donate their one-of-a-kind pieces for the auction . “ But given art is such a personal experience , and depending on who attends the auction , not every piece gets a bite ,” Brokenshire says . “ If that ’ s the case , we respectfully return the art back to the artist .” After the fundraiser , some Sawdust artists have been known to eventually sell their auction pieces over the summer and
still donate the proceeds to the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund . “ We also have artists who have benefited from the fund who , in turn , donate work when they can ,” Brokenshire says . “ That ’ s a beautiful cycle of giving back .”
A COMMUNITY EFFORT This year , Voice of Laguna radio station owner Ed Steinfeld will serve as the auctioneer alongside David Nelson , the current chairman of the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund board . Trustees Trevor LePenske , Barbara Lolli , Ed Chang and Beth Kukuk , along with a few volunteers , will also take roles in the payment and wrapping stations , and presenting the artwork to the guests in attendance . The public is encouraged to attend the auction Aug . 11 ; entrance to the festival is free for participants . “ It ’ s a wonderful win-win . You can leave with a fabulous piece of art , in a variety of mediums , and know that the money will help an artist when they need it most ,” Brokenshire says . In addition to its traditional annual auction , the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund board is
always looking for new ways to raise money to help artists in need . “ The art auction has been a staple for so many years , but there have been early conversations about possibly hosting a golf tournament for community members who ’ d rather contribute in a different way ,” Brokenshire says .
MAKING A DIFFERENCE Gladstone says she was unaware of the Artists ’ Benevolence Fund until she joined the Sawdust exhibitor coterie four years ago . Ever since then , Gladstone has donated her vibrant paintings to the cause . This year , she ’ s contributing a limited-edition fine art print of Michael Minutoli , Laguna Beach ’ s current greeter . “ I ’ ve been so impressed by the work that they do to assist artists in need ,” Gladstone says of the fund ’ s organizers . “ I know at least one person who was helped by the Artist ’ s Benevolence Fund to tide her over in an emergency . She was an acquaintance that had a health issue , and her insurance didn ’ t cover what she needed . So the Benevolence Fund aided her at that time .” g
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 27