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 held 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 ended at noon on Friday, October 25, 2024. Items for the auction included 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 and will assist 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].
The Connecticut River Artisans Group (CRAG) wishes to thank the following businesses and artists who donated to our 12th annual “Starving Artists Silent Auction”. Your wonderful generosity and support is appreciated beyond measure! Also, a huge thank you to everyone who participated and bid on the items. Our auction was the best to date!
Kheops International, Noyes Chevrolet, Urban Daughter, North of the 45th, 1840 Restaurant, Full Send Bar & Grill, IGA, Bear Rock Adventures, Ducret’s Sporting Goods, The Blossom Shop, Black Bear Tavern, Colebrook House of Pizza, Lin-Jo Creations, Li Wah Restaurant, Fiddleheads, Grampy’s Drive In, Creative Natives, GNWCA, Linda’s Diner, Northern Tire, Flowers by Sandra, The Old Appletree, Lambert’s Produce Land, Strike Zone Pizza Pub, Coos Auto Supply, Joanne’s Added Attractions, Lazerworks, Carriage Lane Players, Up North NH, L.L. Cote, Jackson’s Lodge, Rainbow Grille, April’s Maple, P.A. Hicks & Sons, Wayne’s Lanes, Murphy’s Steakhouse, CFSS Tire & Auto, Pauline’s Boutique, Quechee Farms, D & P Specialty Shop, Solomon’s Store, DTM Small Engine Repair, Coos Brewing Co., Grandpa’s Sugar House, Claudette & Dean’s Place, Time Out Tavern, Spa Food Truck, Dr. Nathan Drum, Linda Tase, Nancy Smith, Marty Zarli, Judi Calhoun, Steve Gifford, Zach Johnsen, Fran Bigney, Carol Reynolds, Michele Johnsen, Deb Sargent, Marti Eisele, Peggy Deyette, Paul Shepard, Anne Dickinson, Pat Klinefelter, Dennis Stevens, Cathy Springman, Pam Choquette, Barbara Nedd, Terrie Herr, Martha Barksdale, Val Alle, Evis Moder and Mia Jaworski.