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Mazza Art Auction Boosts Funds, Spirits and Aspirations

Mazza Art Auction Boosts Funds, Spirits and Aspirations

At the Mazza Art Auction on Saturday, the Mazza Museum raised over $24,000 to support the Dr. Jerry Mallet Institute Endowment Fund at the University of Findlay. Guests also had the opportunity to hear music by The Maria Fricano Jazz Trio and bid on artwork produced by University of Findlay students throughout the evening.

“We are grateful to all the artists who donate their work to the Mazza Museum and allow us to share it with the community,” said Director Benjamin Sapp. “The auction allows our donors to take a piece of the museum with them and their support will enhance the programs we offer.”

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The Maria Fricano Jazz Trio

It was a night of not only art but entertainment for friends of the Mazza Museum and the University. The live jazz music during the opening reception and intermission gave donors a fun experience and the chance to take in the artwork and atmosphere. The auction included 30 works of art from artists like Jim Arnosky, Bruce Degen and even Steven Kellogg, who’s watercolor and pen and ink illustration from “The Rattlebang Picnic” drew a bid of $3,300. Auxiliary items also included an Eric Carle quilt and signed print from “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” dinner with an artist at the Mazza Summer Conference and a charm bracelet highlighting artwork from the museum put together by volunteers. The auction raised a total of $24,200 that will directly support the Mazza Museum’s programs and activities.

Throughout the evening, young artists were stationed throughout the museum including Jenny Hanf, Jessica Meek and Megan Nedds, students from the University of Findlay’s children’s book illustration program; Kelsey Rich ’13, an alumna of the art and art management program; and Meso Lee, a Findlay native who started volunteering at the museum this spring and just completed her degree in visual communication design and illustration at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The artists worked throughout the night in mediums from sketching and painting to wool felted sculpture.

Jenny Hanf, Megan Nedds, Kelsey Rich, Meso Lee, and Jessica Meek
Jenny Hanf, Megan Nedds, Kelsey Rich, Meso Lee, and Jessica Meek

“I wanted to do something a little bit unique for the event,” said Megan Nedds who created “Clover the Fawn,” a wool felted sculpture of a deer. “Participating in this event is a great experience,” she added, “and it’s a lot of fun.” At the end of the evening, Nedds’ sculpture along with the work of the other young artists was included in the auction with the proceeds supporting the museum and the artists.

“We wanted to highlight the talented student and volunteer artists who the museum has the opportunity to work with,” said Sapp of the students who were recognized as ‘Artists of Tomorrow’ in the program. “We look forward to seeing their artwork at Mazza in the future,” said Sapp.

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