UNION — The Union County Arts Council is planning a major fundraiser by auctioning off some of the most unique works of art ever seen in this area. Along with the auction, UCAC will display works by Claude Buckley of Camden. The two events are tied together by a common theme.
The “$1 Art Show & Auction” is a first-of-its-kind event for Union County. Over one hundred brand-new, crisp one-dollar bills were sent to area artists with the idea of their using the bills as a canvas on which to create an original work of art. The idea came about after one of our members saw a story about a similar show that was held as a fund-raiser for a gallery in New York City.
“We decided to try this idea and see if we could accomplish two goals,” said UCAC coordinator Jackie Senn. “First, we wanted to see just how many artists that we could enlist to help us with this project. The results were amazing. It looks like we’ll have over seventy-five pieces that we can sell at the silent auction. Second, we wanted to see just how much support our community will give to UCAC. That will be determined based on the outcome of the auction. The minimum bid for each piece will be only ten dollars so we’re hoping that everyone will be able to, at least, place one bid.”
All of the winning bidders will have an original work of art that will be a one-of-a-kind piece that won’t be found anyplace else.
In addition to the “$1 Show & Auction,” UCAC will have on display “America Goes For Broke: Allegorical Currency Paintings by Claude Buckley.” This exhibit is a series of social commentaries about modern American society that uses the dollar as a common denominator.
The paintings and drawings actualize a challenge taken up after the late industrialist and philanthropist Roger Milliken asked to see art depicting how the rich in America keep getting richer and the poor even poorer. Buckley’s art has become the visual financial statement of the nation’s condition.
His portrait of the Honorable Thomas G. Cooper will be hung on Feb. 28 at the Kershaw County Courthouse and his art and murals hang internationally in private residences, corporate headquarters and public spaces. These include in the United States Court of Appeals in Washington, DC, and the headquarters of Milliken and Company in South Carolina.
Buckley has shown his work alongside Picasso, DeKooning, Christo and other 20th century masters. Roger Milliken and Mr. and Mrs. James Ferguson, former CEO of General Foods, are among his collectors.
UCAC will hold a silent auction for the “$1 Show & Auction” in conjunction with a reception for the two shows on Feb. 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the UCAC gallery at 116 E. Main St. in Union.
For more information about these shows or any of UCAC’s programs, call 864-429-2817 or email ucac@bellsouth.net.
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