The Connecticut River Artisans Group, formed 17 years ago, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the arts in northern New Hampshire, Vermont and southeastern Quebec, Canada. The mission of the group is to raise the spirits of individuals, encourage people to participate in activities in our underserved community and support the development of a creative economy in the area. We are a wholly volunteer group providing opportunities and support to new and established artists through a variety of art classes, exhibition opportunities, student summer art camps, plein air events and more. While we are extremely grateful for grant monies which help to support our many activities, we must also rely upon our one fundraising event each fall, our Silent Auction, to make ends meet.
The Connecticut River Artisans Group is currently holding its twelfth annual “Starving Artists Silent Auction” within their gallery at Fiddleheads, 110 Main St. in Colebrook. The auction began on Saturday, September 7, 2024, and will end at noon on Friday, October 25, 2024. Items for the auction include paintings, photography, pottery and artisan made pieces as well as an impressive array of gift certificates from local businesses to include restaurants, gift shops, salons, automotive, lodging and more!
100% of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the arts group. This is a chance to purchase items at a reduced cost, while assisting CRAG in continuing to offer their vast array of creative workshops to North Country residents. This includes art exhibits at venues around the region and their gallery within Fiddleheads. Funds raised also help support Plein Air paint-outs, classes, outdoor murals, artist receptions, rentals, and activities. In addition, The CRAG Sculpture Walk (on the grounds of the Great North Woods Center for the Arts – (GNWCA) in Columbia) is an ever-evolving public art project. The serpentine and wooded walkway leads to sculptures by New England artisans, who participate in an open call competition annually, with winners receiving a monetary award. CRAG members volunteer approximately 1600 combined hours a year to support the efforts of the organization.
CRAG deeply appreciates the support of local businesses and artists who have generously donated to the auction to help promote the visual arts in our region. If you are an artist or artisan (of any medium) and would like more information about CRAG, please visit our website at www.connecticutriverartisans.com or on Facebook. For information about exhibit schedules, membership or to learn how to support CRAG via a sponsorship program, please call 603-237-9302 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
Items in this year’s auction include:
1). $125 Gift Certificate (GC) to Bear Rock Adventures 45). 1000 Piece Jig-Saw Puzzle from LL Cote
2). $125 GC to Bear Rock Adventures 46). Two Unscented Pillar Candles from LL Cote
3). $50 GC to LaPerle’s IGA 47). Two Unscented Pillar Candles from LL Cote
4). $50 GC to Full Send Bar and Grill 48). “Gnome” Door Stop from LL Cote
5). $50 GC to Full Send Bar and Grill 49). “Woodland Scene” Framed Print by Zach Johnsen
6). $50 GC to 1840 Restaurant 50). “Nest” Framed Print by Zach Johnsen
7). $50 GC to North of the 45th Apparel Co. 51). “Frog Among the Ferns” Framed Print by Zach Johnsen
8). $25 GC to Urban Daughter 52). “Simplify” Acrylic on Canvas by Michele Johnsen
9). GC for up to $74.95 for a Free Oil Change at Noyes Chevrolet 53). $30 GC to P.A. Hicks Hardware
10). Gift Basket from Kheops 54). Solar Print “St. Croix Pleasure” by Carol Reynolds
11). $30 GC to Linda’s Diner 55). “Stone Steps” Framed Photo by Fran Bigney
12). Six passes to GNWCA Musical Events 56). Maple Products and Coffee Cups Gift Set from April’s Maple
13). $50 GC to Creative Natives 57).$50 GC to Rainbow Grille Restaurant
14). $25 GC to Grampy’s Drive-In 58). GC for 3 Days/2 Nights Stay at Jackson’s Lodge
15). $35 GC to Li Wah Restaurant 59). $25 GC to Solomon’s Store
16). $75 GC to Lin-Jo Creations 60).$50 GC to D & P Specialty Shop
17). Large Pizza and 2 Liter Soda from Colebrook House of Pizza 61). $25 GC to Queechee Farms
18). $50 GC to Black Bear Tavern 62). $50 GC to Pauline’s Boutique
19). $25 GC to The Blossom Shop 63). $60 GC for Oil Change at C.F.S.S. Tire & Auto
20). $25 GC to Ducret’s Sporting Goods 64).$100 GC to Murphy’s Steakhouse
21). $50 GC to Coos Auto Supply 65). $25 GC to Wayne’s Lanes
22). $25 GC to Strike Zone Pizza Pub 66).$40 GC to Sissy’s Nails
23). $20 GC to Lambert’s Produce Land 67). Hand Stitched Fabric Pin by Deb Sargent
24). 24″ Wind Chime from The Blossom Shop 68). Hand Stitched Fabric Pin by Deb Sargent
25). “Birches” Acrylic Painting by Marty Zarli 69). One Gallon Amber Maple Syrup from Grandpa’s Sugar House
26). Handmade Pottery Tree with Lights 70).$75 GC to Coos Brewing Co.
27). $25 GC to Flowers By Sandra 71).$100 GC to D.T.M. Small Engine Repair
28). GC for Free Car Wash at Northern Tire 72). “After the Rain” Acrylic Painting by Barbara Nedd
29).Handmade Pottery Fish by Linda Tase 73). “Oh, Susie Q” Fluid/Texture Art by Pam Choquette
30). Lidded Pottery Fish Bowl by Linda Tase 74). “Snowbound” Oil Pastel by Cathy Springman
31). Handleless Fish Pottery Cup by Linda Tase 75). “Susan’s Adoration” Oil Painting by Dennis Stevens
32).Handleless Fish Pottery Cup by Linda Tase 76).”Magallaway Mtn. at Bear Tree” Acrylic Painting by Patricia Klinefelter
33). Pottery Fish Drinking Mug by Linda Tase 77). “Tranquil Pond” Oil on Slate by Marti Eisele
34). Two tickets to Carriage Lane Players 2025 performance 78).”Summit Sunrise” Acrylic Painting by Barbara Nedd
35). Bluetooth Speaker/Water Bottle from Lazerworks 79). Fiber Art Creation by Martha Barksdale
36). Paul Mitchell Shampoo & Conditioner from Joanne’s Added Attractions Salon
37). $50 GC to Joanne’s Added Attractions Salon 80). $40 GC to Claudette & Dean’s Place
38). Framed Photo of the Poore Farm by Steven Grifford 81). “Lake Wallace Backdrop #1” Acrylic on Canvas by Terrie Herr
39). “Red Fox” Hand Painted Reproduction by Judi Calhoun 82). Trio of Christmas Ornaments by Envie Glass/Pam Choquette
40). “Bambi & Thumper” Hand Painted Reproduction by Judi Calhoun 83). Handleless Fish Cup by Linda Tase
41).”Fairy Jar” Hand Painted Reproduction by Judi Calhoun 84). Handleless Fish Cup by Linda Tase
42). “Trails End” Oil Painting by Marty Zarli 85).Solar Eclipse 4-8-24 Photo Series by Paul Shepard
43). Hand Burnished Teak Serving Board and Oil 86). “Thistle” Photo by Paul Shepard
44). Hand Painted Wooden Candle Holder 87). “Yellow Lady Slipper” Painting by Peggy Deyette
88). “Fall in the North Country” Watercolor by Mia Jawarski 89). “Exotica Sunrise Geranium” Watercolor on Cotton by Evie Moder
90). Coiled Basket by Val Allen 91). “The Bell House” Watercolor by Ann Dickenson
92). $25 GC to Up North