Brockport group relishes 'Stone Soup' success

From an auctioneer dressed up as a chef wielding a wooden spoon to his assistants attired in aprons, the members of the Brockport Arts and Aesthetics committee said the sweet taste of success of the first annual Stone Soup auction is lingering. The idea of a stone soup style auction, Project Director Lori Skoog said, came from the idea that a lot can be accomplished if everyone contributes just a little to the pot.

The goal of the committee, this year, was to raise the money to purchase materials for Bill Stewart to construct a 12-foot tall sculpture that will sit near the Village of Brockport's canal side visitor center. Stewart's sculptures greet visitors to the Rochester International Airport. The sculpture planned for the village by Stewart will be "colorful and whimsical."

According to Skoog, "The community certainly came through and we even have enough left over to help defray the costs of whatever project the committee comes up with for next year. We were hoping to raise at least $10,000 but we far exceeded that goal," Skoog said. "The success of the auction was beyond our expectations."

Skoog estimates that between 250 and 300 people came to bid on the unique pieces of artwork and sculptures. The auction featured works by local artists, painters, sculptors and items from the Elizabeth Collection from Artisan Works in Rochester.

The high school, where the September 18 auction was held, was a great venue, Skoog said. "We displayed the artwork in the atrium," she said. "It was roomy enough to give the attendees space to review the artwork before the bidding began."

Peter and Kathy Villa, who Skoog said were very active bidders during the auction, were also the winners of a Stewart sculpture that had been donated to the auction.

Now that the funding is in place, Stewart will finalize the design conception and Carlton resident Jeff Jubenville will begin his part as the project's metal smith. It is anticipated that the sculpture will be in place by fall of 2005.

Skoog said the committee would soon begin seeking items for next year's auction. Contact her at 637-6586 for information.