Art students at Clinton High School have been busy preparing for the annual art auction, a fun and creative spring fundraiser that benefits the Clinton Area Foundation for Education (CAFE) and teachers in the city school system.

This year’s event will be held Thursday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Clinton High School. The annual event celebrates the arts in the city schools while raising much needed funds for educational needs.

“All proceeds from the event are used to fund various grant requests submitted by teachers within Clinton City Schools,” said Joan Tsao, president of the CAFE board.

There is a process involved in teachers receiving the grants. First the teachers write grants and present them to the CAFE board during meetings. Then the CAFE board reviews the grant applications and selects those which will be funded.

Once approved, the grants fund items that cost above and beyond what the schools can afford. According to Tsao, CAFE has already funded grants from each school this academic year.

Several grants have requested items to support the school system’s Global Initiative program, which helps students learn more about the world in which they live. CAFE has also funded several grants that focus on STEM education, including funding for Sampson Middle School science and social studies teacher Leslie Matthis to begin SeaPerch, an underwater robotics program.

“In evaluating each grant request, we seek to maximize the impact of every dollar entrusted to us by CAFE members and the United Way. We are very fortunate to have received funding support from the United Way of Sampson County. We focus on grants that have a multi-year usefulness and reach a high number of students,” Tsao added. “Because all money raised at the auction is invested directly back into the classrooms, it’s important that folks in this community come out, enjoy the festivities, and know that they’re directly supporting their local students and teachers. We also have a concession stand if people would like to purchase a drink or snacks.”

Last year’s art auction raised a total of $3,750, of which $1,875 was earmarked for grants and the other $1,875 was used by the Clinton High School art department for the purchase of much needed supplies.

Each year, the auction features approximately 50 original pieces of art, all paintings done by the students in Michael Ray’s art classes. Ray also donates a piece he has painted specifically for the auction. Ray’s painting is always a crowd favorite.

“CAFE is devoted to improving and expanding the learning experience for students in this school system, and with many underfunded educational mandates and limited resources, teachers must turn to CAFE for help in meeting their educational goals,” Tsao explained.

This event, according to Tsao, is a great way for students to get involved in school activities.

“When kids come out and see folks enjoying the talents of fellow students, I think it encourages them to further develop their own abilities,” Tsao shared. “It culminates with seeing the artwork of peers actively bid on, with that financial support directly impacting them in the classroom.”

Art students, Ray expressed, need to learn about the process of being an artist and selling pieces once complete.

“The students learn the process of parting with their work,” Ray shared.

According to Clinton City Schools superintendent Dr. Stuart Blount, the art auction is an event that allows high school art students to showcase their work. With phenomenal talent like that found in the CHS art department, Blount said the art auction is the perfect way for the community to get involved, purchase art, and support students and teachers in the process.

Between now and the night of the auction, completed pieces of art will be on display at area businesses.

The annual CAFE art auction will be held April 26 at Clinton High School at 6:30 p.m. This art auction will feature artwork from Clinton High School art students.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/web1_art1-3-.jpgThe annual CAFE art auction will be held April 26 at Clinton High School at 6:30 p.m. This art auction will feature artwork from Clinton High School art students.

By Kristy D. Carter

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