After an evening show at Geva, I began to wander back through the city. Surprised to see the lights on at the Updegraff Gallery-office on 732 South Avenue, inside I met Jordan Ebersberger.
Jordan explained that her company, Updegraff Group, had sponsored the inaugural event just winding down: a Silent Art Auction to benefit St. Joe’s House of Hospitality down the road also on South Avenue.
I could not make the First Friday Silent auction but shortly after Jordan kindly provided a photo montage and narrative.
In March, she also mentioned her own work was displayed and sold at the show. So now, more from Jordan on the show (pics, narrative and captions) supporting emerging artists and St. Joe’s House of Hospitality
And, Jordan plans further inspired contributions to the magazine. Rochester get ready for Jordan Of the Town!
The doors were finally open, music flowing, the sweet summer air approaching. This was my first event, my first big responsibility. I was given the opportunity by my company, Updegraff Group to plan, host, and partake in a Silent Art Auction the end of March last month. It was a stupendous honor to be gifted with such a big event. Even more exciting and nerve wrecking was being able to showcase my own artwork for the first time.
My “talent” didn’t go further than having it hung on the fridge when I was young, and now I was going to sell my pieces to someone who admired them! I grew up drawing butterflies and flowers but as I got older I began to delve more into unique euphoric designs. The pieces I showcased were detailed sharpie art of aquatic animals in lava lamps. My boyfriend gave me the idea after staying up trying to envision the perfect lava lamp to draw for a larger piece he was working on. I met with artists ranging in all spectrums of the art pyramid! During the last moments of the auction a man walked through the door and viewed the pieces, he seemed very enthusiastic. He bought my piece as well as an original by Timothy Mack. He sighed before he left saying he wished he could buy them all.
We had gorgeous landscapes down by Tom Bailey that truly captured the essence of a place. Rachel Dow a local Rochesterian stopped by the auction to see her work displayed, she donated 2 wonderful metallic mixed media paintings. Sara Keane and husband Clay Patrick McBride participated with a serious photograph of Jay-Z and Kanye West (original) and the other piece, Sensual Rose Pink Lips. There were many other lovely works done by locals. I was amazed at how many donated and the amount of pieces I was able to display.
Out of the 22 pieces we had we sold 15. All the proceeds were donated to Saint Joe’s House of Hospitality to feed and support Rochester’s struggling families. Being able to do something I truly have passion for, and giving back to the community is so fulfilling. This was our first annual silent art auction, we expect next year to be bigger, bolder, and better! Updegraff Group is excited to take part in giving back to the community and reaching out to the locals. We hope to see many of you at our upcoming events!
MORE ON THE SOUTH WEDGE BELOW
An art exhibit at the Updegraff Gallery helping its neighbors down the road
Bringing wisdom and beer to the masses with Jake Kwiatkowski
What Millennials think of the Bridge Generation at Lux Lounge.