LYNN — Every May, a large number of Raw Art Works supporters gather in its Central Square headquarters for the non-profit’s annual major fundraiser, “BASH: Party with a Purpose.” Money raised at the event allows the youth arts organization to continue the innovative programs that have bettered the lives of Lynn kids since 1994.
The coronavirus pandemic forced the cancelation of this year’s Bash.
In its place, RAW will host its first-ever virtual art auction. Development manager Alexandra Ashley said 14 pieces of art created by RAW alumni and staff will be up for bid on Saturday, June 13.
Featured will be works by RAW alumni Alison Miller, Angela Santora, Bedelyn Dabel, Brandon Gorski, Claire Weaver, Daniel Chapman, John Plunkett, Michael Aghahowa, Nicole Curcis, and Sara Barrientos, as well as by staff/guest artists Mary Flannery, Käthe Swaback, Jason Cruz & Eli Epstein, and Laura Menucci. The art and biographies of artists can be viewed at www.rawartworks.org.
“Our alumni artists are struggling too now, so for every piece sold the alumni artist will get 50 percent of the proceeds,” Ashley said. “If you have no more space on your walls for art, you can support RAW by sponsoring a kid. There’s a link on our website.”
Ashley said when the state emergency went into effect in mid-March, the development staff met to weigh options. “Before long, we knew ‘Bash’ just wasn’t going to happen. Since we can’t re-create Bash, we focused instead on alternative fundraising options so we can continue addressing the needs of the community.”
MassArt and the Montserrat College of Art are hosting art auctions online, so the RAW team thought “If ever there is a year to try something different, this would be it.”
Group classes have been held online, but some kids don’t have access to the internet or TV. (When a staff member) heard that one such kid really loved Harry Potter books, they got the entire series and dropped it off at the kid’s house … using proper social distancing, of course.”
Ashley said RAW has received incredible support, as always, from its donors, sponsors and board members. “An ambitious $300,000 fundraising goal had been set for this year’s Bash,” she said. “We are already over halfway to our goal; $175,000 has already been raised, so we have only $125,000 to go. Our fiscal year is at the end of June, so we’re racing to the finish line.”
For additional information, go to www.rawartworks.org.
