Who knows the value of an object? Perhaps it is is only the buyer.

That’s why the ArtsNatchez silent auction is such a rare opportunity for you to decide what something is worth.

Like an online auction site, the gallery’s auction will hold tables and walls full of objects that only you can put a value on as a bidder. Bidding will open Wednesday and close June 25.

Look at an internet auction site and you’ll find model trains that were once a routine Christmas gift going for several hundreds of dollars. Even replacement parts for the Yugo — “the worst car in history”— are available.

ArtsNatchez isn’t offering car parts, but our contributors and supporters have uncovered treasures and oddities that fill a whole gallery room.

For example, the late eccentric designer Buzz Harper — from his estate we have up for bid a variety of objects from his imposing home Ravennaside. You can “get your Buzz on” by considering some of these objects from the collection: three beautifully framed paintings, crystal decanters lamps, silver/plate demitasse spoons and even rugs.

One of the gallery’s treasure hunters is contributing a number of vintage items, including “a fabulous silk pillow cover with hand-crocheted designs,” a crocheted purse and even some vintage containers that could have been used for medicine.

Also among the donations are two small paintings by M. Douglas Walton. Recently, a standing-room-only group was captivated by Walton’s harrowing tale of surviving the Nepal earthquake along with 14 of his art students. His talk at the gallery was accompanied by paintings in which he attempted to graphically capture the impact of the 7.8 quake in April 2015. Walton is the featured artist at ArtsNatchez through June 9.

You are invited to also contribute to our inventory of items. What is in the attic that you only move around to to get at the things you use? What’s in the garage or under the house that still has a useful life, but not in your home? We will continue to accept donations throughout the auction period.

Remember, donating your forgotten treasures to the auction will not only free up space in your home but will help you at tax time. What a great motivator knowing that you are cleaning out a closet or redecorating a room, and whatever you get rid of, you can claim on your taxes.

The values claimed are between you and the Internal Revenue Service. ArtsNatchez is a 501(c) (3) organization and will provide a signed “receipt of gift” with its tax identification number for your donation, upon request.

ArtsNatchez also benefits because this event requires very little cash outlay by the gallery, and it is our biggest fundraiser of the year. You also benefit, because you come away with bargains for your home or gifts you can pass on.

You can stop in the gallery at 425 Main St., to view the auction items and place a bid any day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Final bids will be taken on June 25 at a free evening reception with food and libations. You don’t have to be present to win.

For more information, or to have your donations picked up, call the ArtsNatchez Galley at 601-442-0043 or Mary Ann Spell at 601-442-1722 or 601-493-4106.

 

Frank Gresock is on the board of ArtsNatchez.