KSTK art auction sets goal of raising $5,000

Art lovers and artists can help sustain public radio station KSTK with their contributions.

The station recently kicked off a fundraising effort that will culminate in an art auction and hopefully $5,000.

The art auction March 18 at the Nolan Center will allow the public to bid on sculptures, paintings, jewelry or any other donated art.

"We're on this balancing blade. Our business model is based on local donations and contributions and special events and raffles," Station Manager Cindy Sweat said. "Without our ability to have in-person events, it's been really tough."

The indoor, in-person event is the first one the station has been able to hold since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. "We want to be as safe as we possibly can, but we also need to make some money," she said. "It seems like things are getting better. It seems like there's a decline (in cases) locally and nationally."

Sweat said the auction will open the doors at 6 p.m., with bidding to start at 7 p.m. People can come in, socialize, have savory or sweet hors d'oeuvres provided by Sweet Tides and treats created by radio station board members, have beer, wine or a non-alcoholic beverage and peruse the available art.

Before the auction, patrons will have the chance to purchase a golden raffle ticket for $50. The winner will be able to pick whichever piece of art he or she would like to take home before anyone has a chance to bid on it.

With the auction is a little under a month away, Sweat and Chris Kamal, the station's development director, are seeking art donations. They are seeking paintings, sculptures, photo prints, quilts, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry, and even food.

"If your specialty is a beautiful cake (we'll take it)," Sweat said. "If you make homemade bath oils, I would consider that art."

The station will also take artwork that people own and would like to part with, even if they're not the creator. So far, only about a dozen pieces have been collected.

Those who would like to donate art can contact Sweat or Kamal at the station by calling 907-874-2345 or email chrisk@kstk.org. Donations need to be received by March 16.

"We'll have a little bit of a Wrangell-style fancy night out," Sweat said.