Alicia Bay, Sandra Burnett and Nathan Bay attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
A 21st birthday is always a party – and the Salem Art Association knows how to do it right.
A menagerie of moonshiners, gangsters, bootleggers, and flappers, gathered on Saturday, Feb. 22, to celebrate the 21st birthday of the Clay Ball, themed after the “The Roaring Twenties.” Framed by the glittering lights of the Salem Convention Center, the ever-popular event featured a dazzling display of unique and eclectic artwork, appetizers, and the music of the Jon Deshler Jazz Trio.
Attendees Andrew Lane, Elizabeth Howe, and Sarah Kirk joined sponsors Ryan and Holly Collier of Collier Law at Bentley’s restaurant to socialize before the event. At the same time, Stephen Broncheau and Jenifer McIntosh headed into the banquet hall to review the auction catalog.
On display was the work of hundreds of local artists, each showcasing their unique and creative styles in a myriad of methods and mediums. Michelle Gallagher created commemorative clay balls. Raffle tickets were sold for a Belize cave tubing adventure. Bruce Folawn featured a ceramic figure vase. There were jewelry, photographs, oil and acrylic art, prints, carvings and bags – everything an aspiring art collector could covet.
Dr. Slate Wilson attended with his wife Davida Wilson, and their friends Adam Bievenu and Lauren Mulkey. The doctor crafted a beautiful table made from padauk, birds-eye maple and ebony and donated it for the live auction.
The master of ceremonies was Jon Lauer, president of the art association’s foundation and the auctioneer for the night was the energetic Paul Schenfield.
Paddles were raised high as guests bid on items including Elton John concert tickets, the artwork of John Van Dreal, a trip to Seattle and “The Coming Storm,” an oil on panel painting by John Oberdorf.
The art association touches nearly 70,000 people through its displays at the Bush Barn Art Center and education programs. Money raised provides free art and history field trips, supports the Young Artists’ Showcase and the Artist in School Program.
Donations ensured that the association can continue to enrich the community, inspire artists, and educate students on the history of art. Find out more at salemart.org/clay-ball or call 503-581‑2228.
John and Mary Hawkins attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
The Jon Deshler Trio plays at the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Dr. Slate Wilson, Adam Bienvenu and Davida Wilson attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Ryan and Holly Collier attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Paulsen, John and Coleen VanDreal and Carolyn Gaskins attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Stephen Broncheau and Jenifer McIntosh attend the Clay Ball on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Salem to support the Salem Art Association. (Mary Louise VanNatta/Special to Salem Reporter)
Mary Louise VanNatta is a Salem public relations professional writing a regular column for the Salem Reporter. Tell her about your upcoming event at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook.
