The late summer tradition of the Box Art Auction benefiting East End Hospice will take place this year on Saturday, August 26th, at St. Luke’s Church Hoie Hall in East Hampton.
“Over 80 artists on the East End have once again contributed their time, talent and singular creativity to produce unique works of portable art for this most worthy cause,” said Arlene Bujese, Benefit Chair.
Bujese reports that among the artists who have answered the call to create memorable boxes for this 22nd auction are 12 who have participated every year since the event’s inception and six others who are participating for the first time.
This year’s artists include Marilyn Church, Leif Hope, Carol Hunt, Dennis Leri, Christa Maiwald, Barbara Maslen, Fulvio Massi, Gabriele Raacke, Dan Rizzie, Randall Rosenthal, Hans van de Bovenkamp, and Dan Welden. Artists are given small donated wood cigar and wine boxes — using the box inside and out as a canvas or base. With styles ranging from traditional landscapes to abstract art, the art forms incorporated this year are ceramics, sculpture, painting, collage, assemblage, metal, photography and needlework on fabric.
The 2023 Spirit of Community Award will be presented at the benefit to Kathleen King, an East End tradition as founder of Tate’s Bake Shop.
Leading up to the benefit the boxes can be previewed at Hoie Hall on Wednesday, August 23 and Thursday, August 24 from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Wednesday, August 23, from 5 to 7 PM, the public is invited to a “Meet the Artists” preview reception at Hoie Hall. Completed boxes can also be viewed on the Hospice website, eeh.org.
At the benefit on August 26, a Silent Auction will begin at 4:30 PM and the live auction will begin at 5:45, with Lucas Hunt as Auctioneer. Wine and hors d’oeuvres are included in the $100 benefit ticket price.
All proceeds will benefit East End Hospice, which provides care for terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones living on the North and South Forks of Long Island, including the Eastern Suffolk County townships of Brookhaven. The Box Art Auction benefits residents of the Town of East Hampton communities.
“This past year has brought about tremendous challenges for our community,” said Mary C. Crosby, President and CEO of East End Hospice, which is the only independent, community-based hospice on Eastern Long Island. “Programs such as the Box Art Auction help ensure that every person facing loss has the expert, compassionate care they need at no cost to themselves or their family.”
Last year, over 800 patients received hospice care — more than any other year in EEH’s history. In addition, hundreds of clients received grief and bereavement support. This summer 180 campers will attend Camp Good Grief.