With a collection of wonderful, one-of-a-kind pieces, the Mount Vernon Middle School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) hopes to break a record.
Originally set to end on April 4, the PTO’s fifth Annual Mustang Art Auction will be now held over until Tuesday, April 11, in hopes of reaching a fundraising goal of $1,000. With over forty unique pieces created by students and staff, this year’s online auction offers a variety of work created by students, parents, middle school staff and local artists (www.32auctions.com/MustangArtAuction2023).
Auction chairperson and middle school parent, Lesley Panos, said that student artists had an extended timeframe to complete their work, and most seemed to have a plan set before they signed up for the project.
“They had more time, this seemed to encourage more self-expression and creativity for the students,” said Panos.
The Mustang Art Auction was created during the 2018-19 school year as a special fundraiser that would spotlight the artistic talents and creativity in the middle school and greater Mount Vernon community. Panos says the event highlights the benefits of art education, which can be overlooked.
“Art can help develop confidence. Being creative really does go hand-in-hand with other areas of education like math and social studies,” explains Panos. “Art supports their emotional well-being and provides a healthy way to process and express their emotions.”
Gordon Lumber has been the primary sponsor of the auction since its inception. Owner Tim Gordon says he believes it’s important for local businesses to be a part of the community and that it’s nice to see the plywood they donate used in such a creative way. Gordon said he has middle school aged children himself and thinks the art auction is a great way to help kids develop, he is glad to support the fundraiser, “To see something that visually appealing created from (our donation) makes me want to continue to be a part of it.”
The auction event has a way to go before reaching its goal to raise over $1000. The PTO has not yet reached the halfway point, but hopes increased attention and the extended end date will help push them ahead.
“We gave everyone a little extra time to create their work this year and it resulted in some really great art,” said Lezli Luneckas-Broomhall, Mount Vernon Middle School PTO president. “It’s worth it to take the time to give more people the opportunity to see and bid in the online gallery.”
The PTO works to have its fundraising efforts highlight middle school students, their talents and skills while encouraging involvement with the community. Still to come this year, their annual 5K is scheduled to run Friday, April 28 and the Lip Sync Battle is set for Wednesday May 3.