BRATTLEBORO-River Gallery School (RGS) is abuzz prepping for "Off The Wall: the art lottery where everyone wins." This fundraising event will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 8 p.m., at 118 Elliot.
Those who cannot attend in-person may take part remotely. A complete show of the diverse and beautiful artwork can also be seen, by arrangement, at 118 Elliot.
Proceeds from the evening will be used to help provide scholarships to the many art programs at the school. For 48 years, RGS has offered high quality art education to children and adults through year-round classes, camps, and workshops.
People of all ages and skill levels are welcomed into the studios to immerse themselves in the transformative process of creating.
"Off the Wall" features 100 pieces of art generously donated by area artists, including RGS staff, students, and friends. There are paintings, pastels, mixed media, original prints, photographs, and more.
Donations include work by Mallory Lake, Chris Triebert, Doug Trump, Helen Schmidt, Bob George, Cameron Schmitz, Paul Bowen, Steven Meyer, and so many others. Images and details of artwork and artists are available on the RGS website.
Those who wish to participate can purchase a lottery ticket from RGS and choose a number, then rank their favorites on their personal wishlist. When their number is pulled from the tumbler, they get to pick from the available works still on the wall.
"It gets so exciting. Every time a piece is claimed and taken off the wall, the drama increases. Will I get one of my favorite pieces? The great part is that almost everyone gets one of their top 10 choices!" said Lydia Thomson, former RGS Artistic Director and one of the originators of the event.
The event offers a wide selection of artwork. Every participant goes home with a ready-to-hang piece of original art.
Zephyr Designs has supported River Gallery School for many years by donating some of the framing. Other major sponsors include Berkley & Veller, Brattleboro Savings & Loan, and 118 Elliot. RGS says it is grateful for "the great generosity of the community of artists who have donated, the participants who play the lottery, all the sponsors, and the many volunteers who make this lively and fun event successful."
Tickets are available through rivergalleryschool.org/otw or by calling 802-257-1577. Proceeds from this event support River Gallery School's mission of creating a fully inclusive art making community in Brattleboro.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.