Tenth Old Stoney Art Auction set for next weekend

The tenth annual Old Stoney Art Auction is coming up next weekend, bringing with it the usual promise of fun, time to visit with friends and local art that any collector will be sure to covet.

This year, as work moves ever closer towards the finish line on the first phase of the Old Stoney restoration, the funds raised will be earmarked specifically for the second half of the project.

The auction will begin at 4 p.m. on June 1 and will take place on the corner of Main and 4th Streets in a white marquee.

“From 4 to 5:30 p.m., we have hors d’ouevres and an open bar,” says Museum Director Rocky Courchaine. “A reminder for people to buy their bottle of unknown wine during that time. We’ll have approximately 24 bottles again up for sale and you always get a wacky prize with them – or there are some really cool prizes, depending which one you pick.”

The auction will begin immediately after the social hour and is expected to include work from around 24 artists. Some familiar names are expected to donate work once again, including Sally Rogers, Jon Crane, Jim Shelton and John Werbelow.

“We’ve got artists from the Black Hills, artists from Sundance and this region,” Courchaine says.

Some new names will join the list this year, including photographer Barb Ridgeway from Aladdin, artist Judy Hamm and artist JK Dooley.

“Everything is donated,” says Courchaine, noting that there is still time for additional donations if any local artists would be interested.

The auction cannot be held in Old Stoney itself partly due to the ongoing construction and partly because the elevator is not yet available. Though the elevator has been a thorn in the contractors’ sides, Courchaine assures that the installation finally appears to be working.

“It’s going well – they are pouring cement,” he nods.

Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion this year, but a second phase will be necessary to update the top part of the building. Courchaine makes a very preliminary estimate for this second phase at around $2 million, which will hopefully be obtained through a second grant.

A grant, however, requires matching funds, and the proceeds from this year’s Old Stoney Art Auction will go into the pot for that purpose. It’s all about preserving the past to contribute to this county’s future, Courchaine says.

“Hopefully it will be a good fundraiser. The artwork is always phenomenal and it’s always so cool to see what comes in,” he says.

“This is people’s chance to get a piece of our region in a piece of art and at the same time give to a cause that will be here forever.”