The Best Bet of the Hudson Valley: Garrison Art Center presents

The Annual SPRING ARTISTS ON LOCATION ART AUCTION

On Saturday, May 17, 2008, Garrison Art Center will host the Annual Spring Artists on Location Art Auction, featuring more than 85 professional artists from the tri-state area.This biannual fundraiser, a signature event of GAC for 26 years, brings artists to the Hudson Valley for a day of painting au pleine air at a location of their choice.The newly-created river and landscape paintings, in various media, are then available for purchase that afternoon under the auction tent in the "backyard" of GAC, Garrison's Landing Park. Garrison Art Center's location, just 50 miles north of New York City, a short walk from MetroNorth's Hudson Line Garrison Station, is unique in its beauty, with the grandeur of West Point on the opposite shore and views north and south to well-known Hudson Highland mountains, ridges and points of interest. GAC is happy to have auctioneers George Lowry and his son Nicho from Swann Galleries in New York City. The Auction is fast-paced and entertaining; it's wonderful live-action entertainment and is for the benefit of GAC,and all who attend.Half the purchase price of each painting sold is tax deductible.

This Spring, the Auction invitation postcard and poster feature the work of a long standing Auction artist Shawn Dell Joyce from upstate New York. Adding to the spirit of the event, a hand-colored Auction poster, signed by all of the participating artists, will start the bidding at the Spring's Live Auction. An exhibition of signed posters from years past will be on display, with some past limited edition posters still available for purchase.

The Live Auction begins at 5:00pm RAIN OR SHINE, and usually ends by 7:00pm. Come at 3pm to enjoy a wine and cheese reception, and view the paintings. Don't forget to check out the SILENT AUCTION (same artists, different art), which will be on exhibit in the galleries through Sunday, May 25th. The Silent Auction opens at 3pm with the reception. Each Silent Auction painting will have a bidding card placed on the wall next to it for easy bidding. Bid silently to get in the mood for the Live Auction! Bidding paddles for the Live Auction will be for sale in the auction tent prior to the Live Auction. Free parking is available in the MetroNorth Parking Lot (parking passes are NOT required on the weekend). Come across the train tracks through the underground passage at the north end of the parking lot or take the trestle at the main parking lot. Don’t forget - allow plenty of time for parking, paddle buying and viewing! Or come earlier and watch the artists who stay and paint on the Landing.

The SILENT AUCTION, in Garrison Art Center's galleries, is open for bids beginning at 3:00pm on Saturday, May 17. The Silent Auction exhibits previously-done artwork by the same artists who participate in the Live Auction. The status of the bidding may be checked, and further bids placed, by phone or in person over the week. The Silent Auction is a great opportunity for collectors to purchase great art at great prices, and it's a fun way to buy! Garrison Art Center's gallery hours are noon - 5:00 pm, seven days a week. For further information call GAC at 845.424.3960 Many of the participating artists can be viewed in the website’s Virtual Gallery.

Garrison Art Center is a not-for-profit educational and cultural organization which has been serving the Hudson Valley for 40 years. It is supported by funds raised through membership, events such as this Artists on Location Auction and in part with public funds from the NEW YORK STATE COUNCIL ON THE ARTS, a state agency.