October 18, 2007

Art donations sought for Art Over Easy fundraiser

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The art exhibition and auction "Art Over Easy 3," set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Surplus Gallery, is art for art's sake in a very real way. Proceeds from the art auction, which is the major fundraiser for the School of Art and Design at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, benefit the school's scholarship and New Building funds. Buying art at this event helps further the study and mastery of art.

Kay Zivkovich, assistant director, said the event organizers are looking for donations of art for the auction from School of Art and Design faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, alumni and artists in the community. This event is a good way for emerging artists to present their art to a buying public or for established artists to contribute to the growth of arts in the area.

"It's not just about making money – it's also about educating," Zivkovich explained.

To help achieve that goal, event organizers will include written descriptions of the art that appears in the live auction and select pieces in the silent auction. In addition, they plan to have on hand several art experts to answer questions.

Art Over Easy organizers are also looking for donations of what they call "orphan art" – meaning fine art that needs a new home. Orphan art donations in the past have come from those looking to streamline their collections, or who are moving or remodeling and find their current art no longer fits their needs.

Those who want to donate art may call 618/453-2476 or 618/453-4315 to make arrangements for pick-up or get details about shipping or otherwise delivering art to the School of Art and Design.

The School of Art and Design is part of the College of Liberal Arts. It offers two undergraduate degrees: the bachelor of fine arts degree, which includes 11 specializations; and the bachelor of arts degree, which offers majors in art and in design, both of which offer three specializations. The graduate program offers a master's degree of fine arts, which includes six areas of specialization, and a graduate certificate in art history. U.S. News and World Report ranks the graduate program as one of the leading programs in the country.