The Margaretville Hospital Fundraiser board members with the Rama River Rock Events family
‘Golden Hour’ oil painting by Patrice Lorenz
Dave Rama, the host of the auction preview with musician, composer, and writer Michael Suchorsky
By Robert Brune
DELHI — Two weeks ago, several inches of slush and snow put a damper on the opening reception of the Margaretville Hospital annual fundraiser preview consisting of a variety of outstanding artwork from contributors near and far. This past Saturday was the rain (snow/slush) date added to the scheduled viewings of the artwork to be auctioned by the nationally known, ever eloquent, and entertaining auctioneer Dave Rama.
Rama tells of his commitment to the community and the hospital, “I have served on the Margaretville Hospital Board for 2 years and can tell you that the entire board, hospital staff and WMC network are 100% committed to Margaretville and the community! We are currently working on raising funds for the construction of a much-needed heliport that will be placed in front of the hospital. Our aim is to save critical time and therefore the lives of community members and visitors to our area. Last year, close to 50 individuals were airlifted from Margaretville. Currently this requires them to be stabilized, then transported by ambulance to a loading area almost 1 mile away. Every second matters so we are eager to complete this project for the benefit of our community. “
Beth Eckels, a local architect and a Margaretville Hospital Foundation Board Member & Auction Co-chair, shares with us, “Seeing most of the pieces that have been donated so far in person, together on the wall, it becomes apparent that a truly outstanding collection of work will be available for auction on May 18. There are immensely talented artists working in the Catskills, and we are fortunate to have so many of them support this cause by donating their art. Some of these generous artists have continued to donate for multiple years, so I know bidders look forward to a chance to take home one of their pieces.” Eckels says the artwork donated so far for this year’s auction has a total value of over $45,000. As more artists and photographers showed up to view this preview at River Rocks Events venue, several expressed interest in contributing to this critical cause. This is shaping up to be quite an event. James Howie who is another hospital board member and co- chair for this event adds, “The Board views this event as a celebration - the artists and their work and the community support/participation. Literally a win-win!”
The artists contributing, so far, consist of a the most talented locals and others that have connections to Delaware County; Patrice Lorenz who is a local Margaretville painter and co-owner of Art Up gallery contributed a fabulous (28” x 28” oil) painting called ‘Golden Hour’ which was one of the many that visitors of the preview raved about, world renowned painter and sculptor Hunt Slonem, who owns a home in the Margaretville area, contributed his ‘Belle Terre.’ Christie Scheele who frequently shows in the area graces this auction with her ‘Boundless Sky,’ emerging photographer Holly Cohen offers up her (28” x 24”) ‘Slide’ at a price certain to raise more than the initial offering, as Cohen is a bit modest about her talent. Architect/artist Ted Sheridan contributed his “Red Tide” (20" x 16" Oil and Lacquered Paper on Panel). Sheridan is an outstanding artist who doesn’t show his work often enough, so this is a great opportunity to both see and hopefully have fun time bidding for these works of great passion and creative genius.
Lorenz expresses her gratitude towards the Margaretville Hospital Foundation Member organizers, “It is a pleasure to donate work to support the Margaretville Hospital. The auction itself is always lively and very professionally handled. I appreciate being in the company of so many accomplished artists from our area. The preview at The River Rock Event Space was especially lovely thanks to hosts Merry and Dave Rama. Special thanks to Jim Howie for his years of dedication to making this auction happen.”
These are but a few examples of the artist’s work available. For the full list of the artists available in this viewing at River Rock Events in Delhi and at the auction which will be held at the MTC Community Center see www. give.wmchealth.org/event/margaretville-hospitals-catch
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