Cape Coral Art League’s third annual Silent Auction

The auction runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18, and bids can be made at the Cape Coral Art League Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bidders can take home unique and original works, as well as gift baskets and art supplies.

The Auction Closes Dec. 18 at noon and the winners will be contacted at that time.

Proceeds from the auction will help raise money for the Cape Coral Art League Maintenance Fund.

For more information on the auction, call Art League President Carmen Sprague at 239-772-5657.

For more information on CCAL, membership, and all of the classes offered, visit CapeCoralArtLeague.org.

CCAL is at 516 Cultural Park Blvd.

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The Cape Coral Art League’s third annual Silent Auction starts early next month, where bidders can take home unique and original works, as well as gift baskets and art supplies.

The auction runs from Dec. 2 through Dec. 18, and bids can be made at the Cape Coral Art League Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year, the CCAL had more than 200 items for prospective bids.

Proceeds from the auction will help raise money for the Cape Coral Art League Maintenance Fund.

Items up for auction include various artwork, classes, and so much more.

Cape Coral Art League President Carmen Sprague said the non-profit decided to hold this year’s auction before the holidays, so people can potentially find a gift for a loved one.

“We have some apparel, we have a couple of sweaters that people have painted,” Sprague said. “We’ve got a lot of original art work like oil paintings, acrylic artwork, and also some gift baskets that people donate. There’s really something for everybody. We try to make it so everybody can find something that’s interesting to them. Some of our artists are really good at original artwork, where they will give a gift certificate to paint your pet, which was very popular last year.”

Sprague said the Art League, along with other artistic-based entities, have suffered over the past year with the cancellation of government grants.

“A lot of us are trying to find creative ways to cover costs,” she said. “During April through July, a lot of our teachers go elsewhere to teach because it’s quiet and slows down here. There aren’t as many people that have the inclination to take a class or a workshop. So the auction will help us get through the summer months and pay our bills.

“We’re hoping people will come and take a look at all we have to offer.”

Items up for bid come via donations from members, and individuals that support the Art League, which has just shy of 300 members (70 that are active that take classes on a regular basis).

“This is a really big deal for us. We only do this once-a-year,” Sprague said. “This is a creative way for us to give the community something to enjoy.”

The Auction Closes Dec. 18 at noon and the winners will be contacted at that time.

The Cape Coral Art League offers year-round classes for adults, youth and children; eight major art exhibits each year in its gallery; other art shows, including the annual art auction; workshops with world-renowned artists.

CCAL is a center for art education where children and adults can learn and develop their artistic skills. All students are welcome, from the complete novice to the professional.

A popular event, “open painting,” takes place every Wednesday from 1 to 4 p.m. until next August. Admission $3 for members /$6 for non-members — just pay at the door. Children’s classes are on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. for ages 6 to 13 through May.

“A lot of our teachers have been with us for many years, and they’re very sought-after,” Sprague said. “We try to give our members what they want, at an affordable price.”

Membership to CCAL is $55, or $65 for up to a family of four. Monthly meetings (open to the public) occur on the first Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon October through March.

“There’s a really great camaraderie here,” Sprague said.

For more information on the auction, call Sprague at 239-772-5657.

For more information on CCAL, membership, and all of the classes offered, visit CapeCoralArtLeague.org.

CCAL is at 516 Cultural Park Blvd.