SOUTH DEERFIELD — Time is winding down for residents to support their local library by purchasing locally made art during Tilton Library’s annual art auction.
Through Nov. 18, the walls of the library at 75 North Main St. will be adorned with art created and donated by 43 local artists and artisans. Library Director Sara Woodbury, said the art was put up earlier this month, and since then has been up for bid through a silent auction.
During last year’s auction the library raised more than $3,000.
“This year we expect a larger audience because of the 100th year celebration,” Woodbury said, noting that the art auction is being held in conjunction with other events, including an open house and rededication ceremony scheduled this weekend.
According to a post on Tilton Library’s Facebook page, “all original art has been generously donated by local artists and all proceeds benefit Tilton Library. Each item has a minimum bid posted and bids must be made in $5 increments.”
Specifically, proceeds will go to Friends of the Library, and will help fund library programs, the purchase of community museum passes, and technology upgrades.
The art will be up for bid in the library until Nov. 18, when the bidding ends. On that date, Woodbury said there’ll be an Art Auction Celebration event starting at 6 p.m. in the library.
The celebration will ensue Saturday in recognition of the library’s upcoming 100th birthday.
A 100th anniversary re-dedication event celebrating the library’s impact on the community — which opened in 1916 — will kick off Saturday at 1 p.m. in the library
“We are excited to celebrate Tilton Library’s 100th birthday,” said Nancy Maynard, chair of the library’s Board of Trustees. “The library has been a vital and integral part of our community since its establishment.” The event will feature local officials, cake and early American songs played by Jay Stryker on the keyboard.
A news release states, “the ceremony will launch a yearlong program of special events to mark the milestone.” Included in those events is an “antiques appraisal night, ice cream social, and children’s art exhibit.”
The statement notes that the library was first dedicated Nov. 14, 1916. It was built through donations “from the estate of local storekeeper Chauncey B. Tilton, from the town, and from fundraising events sponsored by the South Deerfield Women’s Club, as well as private donations.”