ARTability Sells and Displays the Art of OE Artists

Framing Concepts Gallery and OE partnered together to create an event, ARTability, where OE clients could display and sell their artwork to the community. The OE participant’s artwork, done in OE art classes led by art instructors, was professionally framed and displayed Thursday evening at Framing Concepts Gallery in Chesterton.

Friends, family, and community members could buy original canvas paintings throughout the evening though a silent auction using bid-by-text technology provided by Auctions by Cellular. Ceramic and glass artwork were available for immediate purchase. Food, appetizers and drinks were provided by Popolano’s and Butler Winery of Chesterton.

David Stupay, OE President & CEO said, “I love this event. It is truly about our participants and their talent, and look at this talent! We love to see the participants come alive in their self-expression. We are also grateful to have Framing Concepts as our partner in this whole process, from framing the canvas artwork to opening their studio to our entire community. ARTability is about our community coming together and celebrating our participants’ abilities.”

Vanessa Stupay, who also attended the event, was impressed at the turnout. “I think the community really showed up to support the artists tonight. The art was incredible, and you can tell that the clients are really excited that everyone is buying their work,” she said.

Framing Concepts owners Ken and Pat Baur feel it is important to give back to the community in this way. “Government funding for the arts is dwindling, and through this event, funds are provided to OE so that they can continue to provide clients with art classes. Art is a great relaxing thing for them to be able to do,” said Ken Baur.

Without the art instructors, there would be no event. Onica Leverich, Art Instructor said, “It’s exciting for our participants. It’s the one night of the year that they can get dressed up and show off their artwork to their families and friends.”

Art instructor Cathy Jasinski echoed Leverich’s observation. “Tonight gives the participants a chance to shine,” she said.

John Underwood, Participant Artist: “My painting is called ‘Guitar on the Sunny Beach’. It’s a painting I thought I could do to express my feelings. This is my third year in the show.”

Along with the display of the art, there was a raffle for a gift basket which included an array of gift certificates and two pieces of ceramic art. Guests could by one ticket for $5 or five tickets for $20.

All proceeds from the night benefitted the Art Enrichment Program of Opportunity Enterprises. The evening truly showcased “Amazing art by amazing people!

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