From paintings and quilts to drawings and handmade pieces, the walls at Looky Here are filled with artwork donated by local creatives as the Greenfield shop kicks off its annual fundraising season.
The 2026 art auction, which opened on Oct. 30, marks the organization’s fifth auction. This year also marks the first time the fundraiser is being hosted inside the Looky Here space at 28 Chapman St., where more than 70 pieces are displayed and nearly 100 items are available for bidding.
For co-founder Vanessa Brewster, bringing the auction to Looky Here’s home base offers an opportunity to make the fundraiser more than a single evening of bidding. Previous auctions have been held at the Pushkin Gallery, The People’s Pint and Magpie, with each location offering a different experience. The first auction featured a live bidding event, while subsequent fundraisers have incorporated online bidding, restaurant collaborations, trivia, bingo and live entertainment.
“We really wanted to have it be more of a party, and maybe even have performances,” Brewster said.
This year, Brewster wanted to bring those elements together while making the artwork more accessible to the community.
Rather than concentrating the fundraiser into one event, Looky Here is hosting a series of smaller gatherings between Oct. 30 and Dec. 12. The programming will include poetry readings, performances and music, allowing visitors multiple opportunities to experience the artwork. Residents attending workshops and classes will also have the opportunity to view the exhibit, while the shop remains open daily from noon to 5 p.m.
The collection itself reflects a variety of artistic backgrounds and experience levels. Brewster said there is work by established artists alongside pieces from emerging artists. The artwork ranges from paintings and drawings to quilts, with additional offerings available through the online auctions, including ceramics, services and lessons donated by community members.
The auction will culminate on Dec. 12 with a closing celebration at Looky Here from 5 to 9 p.m. Bidding will close at 7 p.m., giving community members a final opportunity to support participating artists and the organization.
Unlike a traditional gallery exhibit, the auction does not have a formal selection process. Brewster said Looky Here puts out an open call inviting community members to donate artwork, while also reaching out directly to artists.
Although the fundraiser supports the organization, Brewster said Looky Here continues to prioritize the artists contributing to its mission. During regular gallery exhibits, the gallery typically receives 30% of sales proceeds, with the remaining 70% going to artists. That arrangement is reversed for this fundraiser, with artists receiving 30% of the proceeds.
For Greenfield resident Kat O’Brien, who contributed a piece titled “Yeti,” the auction offers an opportunity to showcase her work in a space she already knows well. O’Brien, who describes herself as a “doodler who also makes collages,” works at Looky Here. However, this marks her first time exhibiting her own artwork there.
Her piece has an estimated value of $75, with an opening bid of $16.
O’Brien said one of the challenges artists face in smaller communities is connecting with buyers who can afford to purchase artwork at its full value. Artists sometimes undersell their work, making accessibility an important consideration.
“It’s all about making art accessible,” O’Brien said.
She also shared that participating in the auction is an opportunity to share her work with people who might not otherwise encounter it.
Her advice to potential supporters is simple: “Come to Looky Here. People can do a lot here; just come through the door.”
Charlie Gould, an artist based in the Pioneer Valley, was among the visitors perusing the artwork during the Oct. 30 kickoff event. Although this was Gould’s first time participating in Looky Here’s auction, he said he was drawn to the space and the artwork on display.
Among the pieces that caught his attention were the dot paintings by Looky Here co-founder Hannah Brookman, whom he described as one of the valley’s strongest painters.
Gould also emphasized the importance of maintaining creative spaces like Looky Here, describing the space as “intimate and authentic.”
“You can’t import it,” he said.
Beyond supporting individual artists, the auction is an important part of Looky Here’s efforts to sustain its broader programming. Brewster said the organization hopes to raise $50,000 throughout its six-week fundraising season to support its operating budget.
The funds will help cover everyday expenses, including staffing, maintaining the store, continuing workshops and classes, and keeping those programs affordable. The money will also allow Looky Here to continue developing resources for artists.
Brewster said one of the biggest lessons from organizing previous fundraisers has been learning how to translate community enthusiasm into tangible support. While the organization has always focused on creating enjoyable events, she said that communicating its mission and fundraising goals has become increasingly important.
As Looky Here approaches its ninth anniversary, Brewster said she feels particularly proud of the community’s response to this year’s auction and the variety of artwork people have contributed.
“I’m proud of all of the art that we have hanging on the wall,” she said, adding that the outpouring of support has been especially meaningful.
To place a bid, go to zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-looky-here-gala-auction.
