Artwork on the Block in Norfolk

Students at work in the art room at Botelle School.

A fundraiser this month at the Botelle School, Route 44 in Norfolk offers a unique opportunity to purchase artwork from local talent. The silent art auction, featuring the work of 25 artists, will be held on Saturday, February 23 from 6-8 p.m. in the Botelle School cafeteria.

The auction will benefit the Norfolk Community Art Space (NCAS), a project to improve the existing art room at the elementary school—not only for students' use, but also for after-hours use by members of the community. Renovation plans currently include the addition of a potter's wheel and a kiln as well as other improvements to enhance the existing space. The refurbished room will be outfitted with equipment for painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery and computer design, giving Botelle students and Norfolk residents access to a variety of art mediums.

The renovation project is expected to cost about $30,000 with funds to be raised through donations. The Norfolk Board of Education has endorsed the project as a PTO fundraiser, and organizers raised seed money last year during a community-wide fund drive. The goal is to raise $10,000 during the first year and to seek grants from private foundations for the remainder of the project. Donations to NCAS are tax-deductible.

The evening promises to be an opportunity not only to purchase artwork from local talent, but also to support a project that will benefit the community. Local artists who have donated work for the auction include Arden Mason, Rose Gill, Turi Rostad, John Funt, Kinuko Craft, Ruthann Olson, Katie Atkinson, Debbie Tait, Chris Little, Fay O'Meara, Eve Thew, Chris Hanley, Nancy Herzig, Madeline Falk, John Thew, Jon Riedeman, Michaela Murphy, Anne Collins, Cecily Mermann, Madeline Gill, Adela Hubers, Vint Lawrence, Robin Yuran, Hank Moorehouse and Dottie Smith.

Tickets will be available at the door; for more info call Turi Rostad at 860-542-0061.