Pilchuck Glass School Declares 26th Annual Auction a Success

Seattle, WA – October 21, 2004 – Pilchuck Glass School raised $1.2 million during its twenty-sixth annual auction held on Friday, October 15, at The Westin Seattle. The nearly 900 attendees (including 260 contributing artists attending as Pilchuck’s guests) sported imaginative Carnevale-inspired costumes as they filled the Westin’s ballroom to raise money in support of the school’s artistic and educational programs.

A combination of auction proceeds, ticket sales, sponsorships and other contributions generated the $1.2 million. Pilchuck Director of Finance Janet Spangler estimated net proceeds will be slightly over $800,000. Auction proceeds fund Pilchuck’s summer artistic and educational programs at its Stanwood, Washington, campus. Along with program fees and individual contributions, auction proceeds are a vital source of revenue for the school.

The auction featured five silent auction sections and a live auction featuring over 260 pieces of art created by American and international masters as well as emerging artists from across the globe. Auction attendees also bid on over 100 centerpieces designed by Seattle-artist Greg Owen and created by a group of volunteers dubbed “Poleturners Union Local 1201” at Pilchuck’s campus during the spring.

Additionally, auction attendees raised their bid cards to donate $78,500 directly to Pilchuck’s educational programming following an energetic presentation by artist Laura Donefer (known for her eye-popping glass fashion shows at the Glass Art Society annual conferences) who reminded everyone that “Pilchuck nurtures and supports the beginners, is attentive to the emerging, and gives the established a place to take risks, hone skills, and expand, expand, expand, their creative vision.”

Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came during the Live Auction when the piece donated by the late Maxi Power appeared. After auctioneer Kip Toner introduced the piece, the entire room rose in sustained applause to honor both Maxi’s memory and the presence of her husband, Leigh Power.

Executive Director Patricia Watkinson acknowledged the efforts of Auction Co-Coordinators and Pilchuck trustees Patty Barrier and Corinne Cowan, along with Director of Development Paulette Bufano and staff and volunteers who worked for nearly a year to make the auction a success, adding their efforts “show what can be achieved through enthusiastic collaboration to maintain Pilchuck’s fortunes in challenging times.”

Pilchuck Glass School’s 27th annual auction will take place on Friday, October 21, 2005, at The Westin Seattle.

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