Monday, May 16, 2011

Mix It Up with MCFA Scheduled for Tuesday, May 24

The Mercersburg Council for the Arts is gearing up for “Mix it Up with MCFA,” its’ popular silent art auction fundraiser. The event will be held once again at Flannery’s Tavern on the Square in Mercersburg – hosts of Mix it Up for the past three years – Tuesday, May 24 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The silent auction will feature over 30 pieces of original art. “Each year we’re amazed by the quantity and quality of the artwork we receive,” says Allison Zeger, MCFA’s president. “We’re so proud that our community, though small in size, has so much talent. And we want to showcase it.” Donated items range from local music to pottery to paintings and prints.

Each year, a portion of the funds raised at the auction are used to help bring the arts to children through sponsorships to art camps and has helped to fund a new summer art camp in conjunction with TWEP. MCFA has also recently established a scholarship for a JBHS senior who demonstrates outstanding artistic achievement. “One of MCFA’s main goals is to provide art opportunities to children,” describes DeWayna Pittman, MCFA board member.

MCFA gives back to the community in other ways as well. In 2010, MCFA established “Art for Thought” an art demonstration series. The series featured local artists of varying genres giving a presentation of their craft. Art for Thought will continue in 2011 as a hands-on workshop. “We thought it was a good idea to change it up a little from last year. We’re rolling out the new program in September – with guitar, dance, jewelry and paper bag book making to start,” says Zeger. Other outreach includes the MCFA Art Show at TACC’s Mercersburg Town Fest and hosting a night of music at the Mercersburg Lions Club Fair. MCFA plans to implement more community programs like these going forward.

“Mix it Up is a great event because it gets the community talking about the arts. It’s good exposure for the artists - and winning bidders go home with some really great pieces,” explains Kelly Schoenberger, another MCFA board member.

Mix it up is free and open to the public and features a cash bar and appetizers by Flannery’s. If you would like to learn more about MCFA, or the Mix it Up Event, please visit www.mcfapa.org.