Creative programs at the high and middle schools will be putting their works under the hammer Monday evening in an effort to raise money for supplies.
As with the schools’ four previous auctions, this year’s will precede their annual Christmas concert, with event patrons getting to peruse and vie over various works produced by students of the art and industrial arts programs.
Sixth to 12th graders each submit something for the auction. Art teacher Anne Luetkemeyer explained close to 90 of her students from several classes have pitched in pieces this year, which include Christmas ornaments of fused glass, paint and charcoal works, and other glass, ceramic and copper-embossed pieces.
“I commit each student. They have to give me one piece,” she said. She will also be contributing items, such as candle sconces and some ceramic work.
The themes vary, drawn from stories and games students have been enjoying to local lore and even items from around the house. “They get some really nice effects,” Luetkemeyer commented.
Students from the secondary school’s industrial arts program also submit something they have crafted in class.
“It’s all a surprise,” said their program’s teacher, Drew Larrabee.
Works will include a variety of laser-cut and 3D-printed items, but Larrabee was able to showcase some of his class’ light boxes, wooden-framed night lights tinted with stained glass. The students used bright LED lighting and worked on the wiring themselves.
Funds raised from the auction go back toward the classes, helping to defray costs for materials. For Larrabee’s students, this includes new vinyl for the 3D printer.
With the funds raised from last year’s auction, Luetkemeyer was able to acquire a new pottery wheel for her class. The school district matched that, meaning her students had two new wheels to work with this year. The first several auctions and assorted fundraisers also went toward acquiring a new state-of-the-art kiln last year.
This year’s earnings will likely be used more straightforwardly. “Just supplies. I need glazes, I need new glass, new paints; just the basic supplies in general,” said Luetkemeyer.
As far as tools go, she said the classes could do with a new scroll saw, which would allow for cuts in greater detail than currently allowed by the classroom jigsaw.
The silent auction begins in the high school commons at 6:30 p.m., Monday the 11th. There will be seasonable refreshments on hand while parents browse, with coffee and punch planned, and some Christmassy desserts. First bids can be made during the preview, before the music program is scheduled to start in the adjacent gym at seven.
“That gives them a whole hour to think,” said Luetkemeyer. “Right when the music stops, people have 15 minutes to rebid.”
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