Art auction will help to recruit volunteers
This column previously appeared in the Telegraph-Journal on September 29, 2009.
The article was written by FUSION Saint John’s Claire Ryan:
This weekend, FUSION’s Community Engagement Committee will host ArtConnect 2009, a silent auction fundraiser with a community-minded twist.
Five local artists have donated a piece of their work for participants to bid on with hours instead of dollars. Winners will “pay” with a volunteer position with one of Saint John’s non-profit organizations.
“The goal of ArtConnect is really threefold,” says Kristen Coombs, co-chairwoman of FUSION’s Community Engagement Committee, who partnered with the Saint John Volunteer Centre to organize ArtConnect 2009. “It’s a different way of encouraging community engagement amongst Saint Johners, as well as supporting local artist and non-profit organizations. We’re hoping that it will be an event that really benefits a broad segment of our community.”
ArtConnect first took place in 2007 as a part of the Harvesting the Arts Festival; this year it is being held in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo taking place this weekend in Brunswick Square.
“I wanted to participate in ArtConnect to help raise awareness for non-profit organizations in the city, and to make a positive contribution in the community,” says local artist Jennifer MacLean, who, along with Vicky Walker, Shawn Smith, Sue Furlong and Nate Guimond, has donated a piece of their work for the event. “Money is necessary, but it’s the commitment and effort of the volunteers that really define a non-profit organization. To volunteer is to make a personal connection with your community.”
Each work has approximate value of $250, and has been sponsored by local businesses T4G Limited (Future Focus), Irving Oil Ltd., Moosehead Breweries Ltd., Cox & Palmer and Bell Aliant. A list of eligible non-profit groups, as well as a minimum amount of hours “starting bid,” will be posted beside the artwork so bidders will have full disclosure about the opportunity for which they are bidding. At the close of the auction, the highest bidders will sign a memorandum of understanding, committing to their pledged volunteer hours with the chosen non-profit. From a group of participating organizations, participants can choose which non-profit to bid their hours against to allow selecting a volunteer position that interests them.
“When we decided to revive ArtConnect, hosting it in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo made so much sense,” Coombs said. “Our hope is it will allow us to connect with people already interested in donating their time, and offer them an opportunity to get something unique in return for making a commitment to work with an organization in need.”
Allowing participants to choose which organization they will volunteer with means they are taking on a position that is interesting and engaging, ensuring that the experience is rewarding for the volunteers and organizations alike. FUSION’s Community Engagement Committee exists to seek and create opportunities for Saint Johners to be involved with their community. Ultimately, the hope is that participants will continue to work with these organizations long after their pieces of art are home and hanging on the wall.
ArtConnect 2009 will take place in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo on Thursday and Friday in Brunswick Square. Bidding will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Click here to find out more about ArtConnect!
