On June 2, in conjunction with Fuquay-Varina Downtown’s Celebration of the Arts, a live public auction of seven paintings from the recent En Plein Air paint-off will take place under the Community Tent on Vance Street. The public is encouraged to take part in the bidding that begins at 12 noon and ends at 12:45 p.m.

Each painting was produced by a local artist during the April 13 En Plein Air Paint Off, sponsored by Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association. Seven artists had four hours each to complete a painting of their subject, a Fuquay District or Varina District building or streetscape chosen at random prior to the event.

A panel of three judges awarded Flora Pinkham the $500 first prize for her shady rendition of Broad Street storefronts. Following three weeks of on-line voting, Shirley Hunsberger was awarded a second place of $150 for her colorful depiction of the street and storefronts at the corner of Main and Vance Street, including her own shop, Magnolia House. On-line voters awarded the $100 third place prize to Jaquelina Marks, a native of Argentina, for her lush painting of the Mineral Springs Inn.

Other brave and talented artists that took part in the event and whose paintings will be auctioned off include Sarah Sugarman (Aviator Tap House) Cinthya Beach (Shoppes on Main), Matthew Smith (Centennial Square) and George Howe (Lazy Lion, A Mystics Garden, Shop N Save).

All of the artists deserve a big round of applause and a bid on their paintings, as they go up for auction on June 2. Buck Lattimore (NCAL9300) of Johnson Properties Auctioneers is sure to call a lively auction beginning at 12:00 noon sharp as each painting goes up for bid. Join the fun under the Community Tent and own a one-of-a-kind piece of Fuquay-Varina history.

One-half of the proceeds go to the artist and one-half goes to Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association in support of future events and initiatives. Payment is accepted by cash or credit card.