The Chair-ries Jubilee Committee has collected furniture pieces to give to artists and creative individuals interested in donating to the 2015 auction, “Chair-rie Pickers.” Those interested in picking out a furniture piece should call Tammy Randolph at 472-6587 at the Chamber of Commerce to arrange to select a piece of furniture.
The 17th arts-in-education fundraiser, affectionately known as Chair-ries Jubilee, will take place Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m. at the Museum Center at 5ive Points.
The theme for the 2015 fundraiser is “Chair-rie Pickers,” a play on the History Channel’s TV show American Pickers, which features episodes about self-described “modern archaeologists” who travel the country uncovering treasures that provide a glimpse at American life in the recent and distant past.
“Our ‘Chair-rie Pickers’ event will feature a glimpse at life as seen through the eyes of area artists as well,” said Nancy Casson, co-chairman of the Chair-ries Jubilee Committee for the annual fundraiser. “It gives artists an opportunity to ‘pick’ a furniture piece—anything, anywhere—redo it and donate it to sell at the auction.”
The Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce annually presents Chair-ries Jubilee to raise funds to promote arts in local schools and in the community.
“We hope this year’s theme will encourage artists and other creative individuals to search for bargain pieces of furniture at yard sales and to begin cleaning out their garage or attic,” Ms. Casson said. “The cabin fever caused by our recent cold temperatures is a great motivator to begin painting and refurbishing furniture pieces for the spring auction.”
She noted that the committee has some furniture pieces stored that artists can “pick” from to create furniture to donate to the auction. “Last year several new artists participated, but we are still looking for folks who will submit items for the auction. If you need ideas to help you create a treasured furniture piece, a book of photos from last year’s auction is displayed at the Chamber.”
Through the Chamber’s Allied Arts Council, the Chair-ries Jubilee auction has raised more than $350,000 for arts activities in schools and community since 1999. These monies provide annual funding for teachers to receive grants for up to $500 for viable art programs that they wish to bring to their classrooms, as well as for visiting artists to appear in area schools.
“Studies have proven that investing in arts education will pay significant dividends for students,” Ms. Casson said. “We are grateful that Cleveland and Bradley County residents respond well to this event every year. So mark your calendars and make this event a ‘must attend’ on your spring schedule.”
The event will include a silent auction, a social featuring area caterers and a live auction. The committee will release additional details in the coming weeks.
For information about submitting items for the auction, call the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce at 423-472-6587 or Nancy Casson at 423-473-1114.