Special auction is added at annual Cork + Fork

A special painting from an American watercolorist will be auctioned Oct. 19, as part of a fundraiser for the Margaret Harwell Art Museum.

“River Sunset,” by Paul Jackson will be offered as part of a live auction during the fourth annual Cork + Fork.

The event will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Friends Sculpture Garden. The art museum hosts monthly shows by regional and national artists, art camps for children, classes for adults and many other activities.

“Half of the proceeds of ‘River Sunset’ will go to the museum,” said Director Steve Whitworth, adding Jackson and his wife, Marla, will also attend the fundraiser.

Music by the band the Millstones, a photo booth and a silent auction are also planned.

Tickets are $35 for members of the general public and $30 for members of the Friends of the Margaret Harwell group.

The evening will include beverages provided by Kohlfeld Distributing and food catered by Castello’s.

In the event of bad weather, the event will be moved across the street to the Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Whitworth said.

Check in for the event will be at the front of the museum, unless weather moves activities to the church, where check in will be at the back of the church.

Whitworth also reminded the public that family memberships to the Friends group start at $25, offering both a discount on the Cork + Fork admission and 10% off artwork and items from the Friends Gift Shop. Members also receive a quarterly newsletter and postcards for upcoming events.

Whitworth thanked the sponsors who made the event possible, including: garden sponsor, Walmart; sculpture sponsors, First Midwest Bank and Commerce Bancshares; beverage sponsor, Kohlfeld Distributing; bench sponsors, The Bank of Missouri, First Missouri State Bank, Ozark Federal Credit Union, Southern Bank, Sterling Bank and Peoples Community Bank; and music sponsor Dr. John Blaich of Dental Arts Group.

Donut House will also provide special desserts, while Foxtrot Coffee will provide a coffee bar.

Tickets may be purchased Whitworth’s Gift Chest Jewelers, and at the museum by cash or check. Checks will be taken only at the museum.