The auction is held at the Ice House in downtown Berkeley Springs with the Silent Auction beginning at 1pm and the live auction at 2pm. Auctioneer is celebrity doctor and musician, Matt Hahn. “People come just to watch Matt perform” said Hott. “Getting to buy great local art is a bonus.”

Although most of the art offered is one-of-a-kind, there are pieces that fit in the once and only category. Artists Jonathan and Jan Heath are both noted artists in their own right and rarely collaborate on work. More than two decades ago, they created the art work for the cover of local author, John Douglas’ award-winning murder mystery Haunts. The Heaths and Douglas are offering the original cover art plus a signed edition of the out-of-print book at the auction.

“Donations from the artists are pouring in,” said Pat Springer, Art Auction Chair. She listed items including several different types of jewelry, ceramic vases, glass and paintings. “Jane Frenke has offered a full size quilt,” she said. “Several other quilters have also donated work.” Springer praised both the quality of work available and the generosity of the artists in offering it. Also unique are the four large canvasses created by adults and children at the recent County Fair. “Everything seems very original this year,” said Springer.

More than a half dozen local restaurants and food establishments are providing food for auction goers including: Cacapon State Park, Corner Steak and Sea, the Country Inn, La Luna, Oasis Cafe, Panorama at the Peak, Tari’s Cafe and Tony’s Butcher Block. “Add food made by some of our members and champagne donated by the Ponicks, and the Art Auction promises to be quite a party,” said Springer.

“We are expanding the Silent Auction segment this year,” said Hott. “There are CDs, massages and smaller art items. We would like everyone to go home with some treasure they found at the Art Auction knowing they are helping MAC at the same time.”

The venerable arts council fundraiser was first held in 1987 and has grown every year as the local arts community and arts activities have also grown. Proceeds from the auction benefit community arts programming of the award-winning Morgan Arts Council. “I’m very impressed with this event,” said Hott who is experiencing it for the first time. “Not only are the artists’ helping to fund the arts programs, but many of them plan to attend and add to their own collections of others in the area.” Items donated to the Art Auction are on display both at the Ice House Gallery and on www.macicehouse.org. The Ice House is located at Independence and Mercer in downtown Berkeley Springs. For more information, call 304-258-2300.