November 21, 2007

Art Over Easy 3 is Nov. 30 at Surplus Gallery

by Andrea Hahn

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The cool thing about Art Over Easy 3, the major fundraiser for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Art and Design, is that it is several cool things all rolled into one.

Here is the skinny – the event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 30 at the Surplus Gallery in the Good Luck Glove Factory, at 432 S. Washington Ave. in Carbondale. Silent auctions go from 6:30 to 10 p.m., with a live auction beginning at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 and includes a shot at door prizes.

Here is the coolness. First, Art Over Easy 3 is at the Surplus Gallery – a chic place to start out a Friday night. What could be more timelessly avant-garde than hanging out at a factory converted into art studios and a gallery at an event planned for the express purpose of furthering the arts? Plus there will be wine, beer and bottled water, hors d'oeuvres by Chartwells and live music.

Second, it is an art auction – well, several art auctions, really. There is the live auction, where participants can experience the thrill of strategic bidding face-to-face and with the triumph of a winning bid immediately celebrated. There are several sections of silent auction, also, where buyers write down a bid and then wander casually off to place another bid, simultaneously working to achieve several items. This is a good activity to pursue while mingling – the need to check one's latest bid can bring one into contact, or away from, so many different people. Items in the silent auction will span a wide price-range, making it possible for nearly everyone to buy original art.

Third, Art Over Easy 3 is 24 days before Christmas. With each piece an original creation, the savvy shopper has a wide selection from which to choose clever and meaningful gifts without having to battle the usual holiday shopping frenzy. Indeed, there aren't many places one can shop with refreshments in hand and live classical guitar in the background.

Fourth, and this really is in the Christmas spirit, buying art, especially if for a gift, at Art Over Easy 3 is like giving twice. First, one has a thoughtful, original gift to give. Second, purchasing that gift directly benefits the School of Art and Design, where young artists are learning to beautify our world and perhaps to prick our conscience or challenge our perception while doing so.

As if that weren't enough, Art Over Easy 3 coordinators have answered that age-old question – where to park when parking is limited? Parking is available at the Old National Bank lot at the main branch at 509 S. University. A free shuttle runs between the parking lot and the Surplus Gallery from 7 to 11 p.m. The shuttle runs continuously during that time.

All proceeds from Art Over Easy 3 benefit the New Building Fund and the scholarship funds for the School of Art and Design. The donated art at auction comes from artists in the University and area communities. Some pieces are donated from private collections. Besides art, several packages items, including some with trips to regional sites, are available at auction and at raffle.