University Foundation holds silent auction to raise money for student trip to New York City

Southeast Missouri art lovers can take a longer look at art involved in an auction to raise money for seniors in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Southeast Missouri State University this month.

The auction -- which culminates with an arts Extravaganza on Jan. 28 -- is part of the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation's attempt to raise money to send invited students to a Senior Showcase in New York City where they will perform in front of casting directors, agents and managers. The art will be on display in a First Friday reception today at Eustis Studios and during gallery hours in January.

John Buckner, director of sales for Eustis, has donated artwork from his private collection to be auctioned.

"I thought what a great opportunity," Buckner said. "I've got all this artwork in storage; I'll just pull it out and use it for a worthwhile cause."

The Department of Theatre and Dance produces two Senior Showcase events: one for the community in Cape Girardeau and one in New York for industry leaders. The New York trip started last year as a way for students to promote themselves and start their careers.

Angie Wilson, director of development for the foundation, said businesses and individuals across the region are donating to the cause. The silent art auction was added as a fundraiser this year.

"It is a way for the Cape Girardeau area and the region to get behind the students and take the Senior Showcase to the next level," Wilson said.

According to Wilson, the department has a network of professional contacts it brings in to do master classes throughout the academic year. The classes prepare the students for the showcase in May, where they will perform in front of performing arts professionals.

Wilson said this is the third year for the showcase. The first year itwas held on campus for the public. It wasn't until last year that the students took their act to New York City and performed in front of industry professionals. She said the showcase was a way for the department to remain competitive with other universities.

"Our program is growing tremendously," Wilson said.

Buckner said that he was approached by the foundation when he first came to town last summer.

"I'd like to build a long and healthy relationship between Eustis Studios and the SEMO Foundation," Buckner said.

Buckner's collection includes work by artists such as Ashley Longshore and Dr. Arthur Silverman. He described Longshore's work as pop art.

"Her figures are iconic," he said.

Most recently, Longshore contributed a collection of paintings to "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn." Buckner said these paintings can be seen in the trailer and close-ups during the film. She also designs for retail giant Anthropologie and has been commissioned by Hollywood A-listers like Salma Hayek and Blake Lively.

Artist Karen Cauvin Eustis of Eustis Studio will also be contributing three pieces of art to the auction: a fired clay piece and two "Hope Tokens." Eustis said the tokens, made up of oyster shells, a silver spoon and a crystal, are inspired by the BP oil spill and are meant to spread hope.

Eustis, who was recently commissioned to do artwork for the Esquire Theatre, chose to contribute to the auction because she feels that the performing arts are a "wonderful venture."

Those interested in viewing or placing bids on the collection can do so at Eustis Studios throughout the month of January from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday On Jan. 27, the work will be shipped to Celebrations and the Crowe Gallery for installation for the Extravaganza.

"I am really pushing for the university to meet their goal," Buckner said.

He said he is contacting clients across the country and trying to get them to place bids. He also said that the First Friday gallery reception today will be a great opportunity for people to see the art work.

"He is really engaged in wanting to help with this," Wilson said

The Extravaganza -- when the auction will close -- will begin with a social at 5 p.m., followed by musical performances at 6 p.m. at Celebrations and the Crowe Gallery in downtown Cape Girardeau. Those in attendance will have a chance to meet the cast of "The Pajama Game." There will also be hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets for the benefit are $50 a person, and seating is limited.

ajones@semissourian.com

388-3654