Oh the weather outside might be frightful, but the Hearts for the Arts auction and reception will be delightful!  The 3rd Annual Hearts for the Arts Auction to benefit the 2023 Eastport and Lubec ArtWalk weekends has some special twists planned, including a bonus benefit aspect for Eastport Arts Center (EAC), one of the project’s Partners in Art, as well as for EAC constituent group Stage East.

Eastport Gallery members are part of the Hearts for the Arts auction with these pieces: “Intertwined”, oil painting by Alice Chen (clockwise from bottom left); “Tidal Pools”, raku ceramic by Marlys Farn-Guillette; and “Hearts Adrift”, sculpture by Alison Ross.

Hearts for the Arts kicks off with an art, wine, chocolate and music reception, Sunday, February 5, noon-3 pm at Phoenix Fine Wines, downtown Eastport. Attendees will have a chance to preview pieces by local artists and get an opportunity to ‘buy now’ before the general auction opens online on February 6. Music will be provided from 1-3 pm by Ellen Krajewski, solo cello. Wine and chocolates by Phoenix Fine Wines and Sweeties Downeast available for purchase. Hot cider will be offered to take the chill off! In addition, an all-ages heart-themed art activity will be offered at StudioWorks from 1-3 pm the same day.
The online Hearts for the Arts auction opens Monday, February 6 at 8 am, and closes Sunday, February 12 at 5 pm. To view the catalog and bid, please visit www.eastportartwalk.org.

Though the primary focus of the Hearts for the Arts auction is supporting the Eastport and Lubec ArtWalk weekends, this year there will also be an opportunity to support Stage East and Eastport Arts Center: Works by Dominic Noe will be available for bid with a portion of proceeds benefiting Stage East; works by Joyce Weber will be available for bid with a portion of proceeds benefiting Eastport Arts Center.

Artwork by Dominic Noe will be part of this year’s auction, with proceeds to be shared between the Eastport ArtWalks and EAC constituent group Stage East.

Auction organizers wish to thank the more than 30 participating artists; Laura Stanczyk/Phoenix Fine Wines; Lisa Stephen/Sweeties Downeast; Carol Gordon/Full Fathom Five Gallery, Cynthia Morse/Eastport Breakwater Gallery; Alison Ross, creator of Hearts for the Arts signage for the window display; Eastport Arts Center; Stage East; Peavey Memorial Library and the Tides Institute and Museum for supporting Hearts for the Arts!

The ArtWalks’ Partners in Art are:  Downeast Rainbow Alliance, Eastport Arts Center, Tides Institute and Museum, Peavey Memorial Library, City of Eastport Parks & Recreation, Sipayik Museum, and LAMPS (Lubec Area Musicians Philanthropic Society).
Sponsors are: Maine Community Foundation, Maine Arts Commission, First National Bank and Wealth Management, Raye’s Mustard and Eastport Area Chamber of Commerce