Benefit Auction gives back
MARCUS KEELY Sentinel Writer

Marcus Keely/ Sentinel Photo A volunteer models a wool vest for the audience at the annual Folk School Benefit Auction on Saturday. For more pictures see 6B. *free robe may differ

BRASSTOWN - "Going once. Going twice. Sold!!!" The familiar phrase shouted by auctioneers across the world could be heard Saturday afternoon coming from the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Packed with 300 people from all across the region, the old building and Folk School landmark struggled to keep the masses cool as things started to heat up both outside and within as the Benefit Auction commenced.

An annual event held in early August, all proceeds from the auction help support the craft programs at the Folk School. An astounding collection of 186 items were donated this year by local artisans to be auctioned off at the event. Of those, 83 were up for bidding during the silent auction which lasted from 1 p.m. till 2 p.m. The other 103 were presented individually by auctioneers Bob Grove and Tim Ryan during the live auction which was held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Grove and Ryan, both Brasstown residents, have been involved with the auction for a number of years, lending not only their expertise as auctioneers but their comedic presence as well. Even if you didn't bid on anything, it was well-worth attending the online  auction simply to watch the dynamic duo present the items.

Ryan's comments at one point went so far as to prompt Jan Davidson, Director of the Folk School, to jokingly threaten Ryan with pulling the plug from the microphone if he said anything more.

The items for auction were extremely diverse in nature, making it hard for participants to walk away from the event without having found something they liked. Pottery, basketry, dolls, paintings, jewelry, furniture, weavings, ironwork, Sutherlin and wood items all were up for bidding. Many of the items were useful, however, some seemed to be a bit more absurd. One unique item, a wooden cowboy hat, ellicited laughs from the audience when Jan Davidson assured those present that its value was no less despite the fact that its creator made similar hats for President George W. Bush. It was apparent that many agreed, as the hat eventually sold for a few hundred dollars.

"The bonus for those who [came] Saturday is that when [they] go home with a great piece of art [they'll] also go home with the good feeling of helping the Folk School do its good work," Director Davidson said. The great thing about the Benefit Auction is that not only do you leave with a beautiful and unique piece of art, you also give back to a community that fostered such creativity and craftsmanship. In total, the auction raised a record $16,800 for the Folk School.

Video is at www.smokymountainsentinel.com

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