Great Southwest Art Auction to benefit Fox Theatre

Outstanding artwork by regionally and nationally acclaimed painters, sculptors and photographers will be featured at the Great Southwest Art Auction & Expo.

The premiere auction will take place Friday evening, Sept. 25, at McCook's historic Fox Theatre. The event will serve as a benefit for the theatre, with all net proceeds going towards the Fox renovation project.

"We have had wonderful support from the art community," said Gene O. Morris, executive director of the Fox. "More than 30 of their creations will be offered for sale at the auction."

Frequent opportunities to view the art will be available in advance, starting with a showing now in progress at the Wrightstone Art Gallery at McCook Community College. The works of art are available for viewing at the college from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and until 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings. A week before the auction at the Fox, the artistic offerings will be placed on display at the McCook Art Guild's gallery on Norris Avenue.

There will be a further opportunity to see the works of art on the evening of the auction. A wine and cheese reception, presented by Tyler Schmick of Schmick's Market, is planned at the Fox on Friday, Sept. 25th, beginning at 6 p.m. "The reception will provide a chance to take a close-up look at the art offerings before the auction begins," Morris said.

All of the participating artists have ties to the Southwest Nebraska region. "They either live here, were born here, went to school here, or have had works donated to the McCook Art Guild," Morris said.

"This event will showcase the exceptional ability of artists from this area," the Fox director said. "Thanks to outstanding art instruction at McCook High School and McCook Community College, we have a level of artistic ability in this area that surpasses that found in most places."

Johnny Walker of Nebraska Auction Service will serve as the auctioneer, with Rick Johnson of the McCook College art department and Morris providing commentary about the artists and artwork.

The list of participating artists, sculptors and photographers include two members of the McCook High School Class of 1959, Mary Roedel Vander Molen of Denver and Jerry Daniels of Hastings. The accomplished artists will be in McCook the weekend of the auction for the class's 50th reunion.

Other featured artists who live in communities other than McCook are Richard J. Budig of Lincoln, Don Dernovich of Culbertson, John Y. Dorwart of North Platte, Gary Ginther of Cambridge, Carol Ham of Benkelman and Muschi Mues of Holbrook.

Artists who reside in McCook have also made outstanding contributions. They include Jan Blank, Matt Clause, John Clesson, Kay Clesson, Mike Gilbert, Rick Johnson, Anne Kennedy, Connie Kleckner, Bill Longnecker, Michelle Lytle, Becky Meyers, Tor Olson, Don Schaaf, Jack Stevens, Norma Stevens, Steve Walker and Ray Walter.

In addition, a creation by the late B.G. Parry, titled "Mountain Scene," will be among the offerings. The painting by Mrs. Parry was donated to the McCook Art Guild following her death.

"The Fox has received great cooperation to help with the presentation of this first-time event," Morris said. "Roxanne McDonald, Michelle Lytle, Jean Hallowell, Kay Flaska and Charles Coleman of the Fox Operations & Events Committee have taken a leading role in planning. We are also indebted to the McCook Art Guild and Rick Johnson of the McCook Community College art department for their assistance."

Auction bills are now being printed and will be available soon. They will give information about advance bids and donation opportunities.

"The art auction is shaping up as another outstanding community event," said Charles Coleman, chairman of the Fox Operations & Events Committee. "The Fox is grateful for all the support."