Nearly 50 patrons recently celebrated local artists by attending the first annual dinner and art auction hosted by the Rush County Arts Council at the Flatrock Grill.

The evening started with cocktails and bidding in the atrium, where artwork from a dozen local artists was on display. The artists contributed over 20 original pieces in a variety of mediums from Markus Strobl’s stained glass to Kate Hedrick’s inlaid garden cobblestone and a folk art bench painted by Angie Buckley. A prime rib dinner was enjoyed and by dessert the bidding was heating up.

Sen. Bob Jackman placed the winning bid for Toni Schultz’s painted chest. Phil Caviness outbid Judge Brian Hill on a painting by Paul Zamzow, and Connie Barada swept in at the last minute with final winning bids on Starr Shuppert’s jewelry, Rob Hadley’s vase, and another Zamzow painting.

On behalf of Psi Iota Xi, Liz Gratzer and Kristen Hass purchased a watercolor by Tracy Flynn and photograph by Gina Miller, both of which will hang in the library thanks to the sorority’s generosity.

To become a member and be notified of future Arts Council events, contact president Gilda Caviness at 932-2363 or cavinesslaw@verizon.net; or board members Kristen Barada, Annette Coffin, Jack Harmon, and Paul Zamzow.

The Rush County Arts Council wishes to thank all in attendance as well as participating artists: Angie Buckley, Tracy Flynn, Johnny Garner, Rob Hadley, Barbara Harcourt, Kate Hedrick, Gina Miller, Toni Schultz, Starr Shuppert, Markus Strobl, Chuck and Monica Wilson, and Paul Zamzow.