Artists, community come together for annual fundraising event
“Well, it was there a minute ago.”
Artist Vicki Essig had just pointed out a piece donated for the annual Art for Animals’ Sake fundraiser by a renowned local glass artist, but it had just been quickly whisked off to the cash register at Burnsville’s Mica Gallery.
“That’s a good sign,” Essig went on.
Now in its third year, Mica Gallery’s spring fundraiser for Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) drew area crafts folk and collectors to the artists cooperative to help raise money for the shelter and its services through the sale of art. While Friday’s event was an opportunity for the art community to meet over wine and cheese, it primarily served as a preview of the donated work that’s on sale until April 4 to benefit MCAR.
But far from a simple preview, sales were brisk. Mica’s president, Penland potter Robbie Bell, wasn’t able to fully enjoy the party on the gallery floor, as he was stationed at the crowded cash register.
“While this is our third fundraiser for the animal rescue,” Bell said, “this is the first year we’ve had area artists and collectors outside of our cooperative donating work.”
Bell described the first fundraiser as being very much an organizational affair.
“To be honest, we took inventory of our work here and wanted to clean out our closets,” Bell said, “but in a way that would benefit some group. We were surprised by the success. Last year, the event was based solely on art pieces that were bequeathed to us, which again proved to be successful. This year, more people wanted to be involved.”
As the donated items on view Friday sell, Bell said the shelves with be replenished with other work.
“Typically, the prior fundraisers have each raised about $6,000,” Bell said. “We’ve enjoyed aiding Mitchell County Animal Rescue.”
Among the opening night attendees were a number of dogs, on hand as a visual reminder of MCAR’s mission. The evening’s unofficial mascot was a gregarious Aussiedoodle named Ripley, who bounded up to every new arrival at the door to greet them. While Ripley already had a home, he was a nudge toward remembering that not all animals are so lucky.
Mica Gallery is open on Fridays and Saturdays through April from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as by appointment by calling or texting Speckled Dog Pottery at (828) 434-0353.