The following items and experiences will be a part of the Silent Auction at the American Artisan Show Preview Party, taking place on Thursday, November 7, 2019, 6pm to 8pm:
Sneak peek!
Silent auction experiences at the
American Artisan Show Preview Party
Ski, Shop, Dine and Stroll in Stratton Village Vermont!
Three nights for up to six at convenient condo.
Located in southern Vermont about three hours from Wilton, Stratton means a big mountain resort experience that’s close to home. Stratton offers skiing and snowboarding, and variety of lodging options, and the slope-side Village for shopping and dining.
Your fantastic three-night winter season stay for six is in a super convenient three bedroom condo in Stratton Village. Ski lifts are a short distance away – close enough to dash “home” for lunch if you want! Not headed slope-side? Walk to the nearby village for restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Stratton Village is at the heart of it all, with live music, family activities, artists and entertainers. Hungry? From family-friendly to fine dining, celebrated Vermont beers to creative cocktails and worldly wine lists, comfort food classics to colorful salads, Stratton Village is the place to eat and drink. Dates to be agreed upon between donor and winner.
Value: $2400
Courtesy of Pam and Ken Fadner
Classic dinner and a show in NYC!
Dinner and overnight at the storied New York Athletic Club on Central Park for two, plus a Broadway.com certificate for show tickets.
Stay at the storied New York Athletic Club at 180 Central Park South, and enjoy contemporary American cuisine in the Main Dining Room, overlooking Central Park. The Club’s proximity to shops, theaters, museums and many of New York’s popular tourist destinations makes the NYAC’s guest rooms all the more enticing.
Value $1500
Courtesy of the Board of Trustees of the Wilton Historical Society
Golf Outing for Two at Winged Foot Golf Club!
You and a guest will enjoy a day of golf at Winged Foot Golf Club’s West Course in Mamaroneck, NY. Among the greatest golf courses in the world, Winged Foot West has hosted multiple US Open Championships, and will host it for the sixth time in June 2020. Lunch, golf, caddies, all included. Date to be mutually agreed upon in the 2020 or 2021 golf season.
Magnificent and historic Winged Foot Golf Club in nearby Mamaronack, has a storied past of hosting national championship golf on two Albert W. Tillinghast-designed courses. The club has hosted five U.S. Opens, the 1940 U.S. Amateur, the 1949 Walker Cup, and a PGA Championship on the West Course. The best is yet to come – the U.S. Open will be played at Winged Foot in 2020!
Value: Priceless
Courtesy of Katy and Rob Williams
Dinner and conversation with Tish and Chris Brubeck!
Hosted by Judy and Hal Higby at their Wilton home. Plus reserved tickets to the Wilton Library Brubeck Concert on January 11, 2020. For up to four.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to get to know a truly great couple, Tish and Chris Brubeck! Chris may be a Grammy –nominated composer and an innovative performer, but he is also a guy with a big heart and generous spirit, who continues the Brubeck legacy of music and good works in the community along with the lovely Tish. Gracious hosts Judy and Hal Higby will be providing a stellar repast in their hospitable home to accompany what is sure to be a fantastic event. Up to four guests can savor a stimulating and enjoyable evening with the Brubecks and the Higbys on a mutually agreeable date. Includes four tickets to the January 11, 2020 Brubeck Concert at the Wilton Library.
Value: Priceless
Courtesy of Tish and Chris Brubeck and Judy and Hal Higby
The Sound of Music! with the Woodway Trio
Is there anything more captivating than a live musical performance? Imagine your guests enjoying a recital of classical music after dinner at your home. Or perhaps you would prefer the Woodway Trio playing during a cocktail hour? This talented trio, playing on flute, cello and piano, will provide a very special chamber music touch for your next important event. No piano? Alternative instrumentation available. Details to be arranged between donor and winner as to date and time.
Value: $1,000
Courtesy of the Woodway Trio: Moira Craw/flutist, Madeline Corliss /cellist and Donald Charlamb on piano or harpsichord.
History is Here Driving Tour of Wilton
With historian Bob Russell!
When you go on a driving tour (approximately one-hour) with Wilton’s pre-eminent historian, it will become abundantly clear that history is absolutely everywhere in Wilton! The author of the definitive “Wilton Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places and Progress”, Bob Russell has a fascinating story or intriguing fact about virtually every nook and cranny found in Wilton. In addition to his encyclopedic knowledge of local history, Bob was Wilton’s First Selectman for six years. Use your gift certificate from a local restaurant to enjoy a lunch or snack.
For up to three people. Date in Spring 2020 to be agreed upon by donor and winner.
Value: Priceless
Courtesy of Bob Russell and local restaurant
Bridge!
Lesson or game and lunch with Gold Life Master Mike Hess. For one, four, or eight.
Want to up your game? Or perhaps you would like to learn the basics, from contracts to bidding to taking tricks. Mike Hess has been a bridge mentor for more than 30 years, teaching bridge in a variety of places, from train time during his commute to downtown Chicago to instructing private groups and open classes at Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton Continuing Education, Westport Continuing Education, and the Wilton Senior Center. He recently became a Gold Life Master and has earned more than 2,500 master points. His team won the Grand National Team Goldman Flight A Championship in 2017! A $50 gift certificate provided by the Village Market will cover a delicious deli spread for lunch. To be set up at a mutually agreeable time and place between donor and winner.
Value $350
Courtesy of Mike Hess
Fly Fishing!
Trout Unlimited certificate for 1/2 day of fly fishing for two on local waters with Jeff Yates.
Enjoy one half-day weekday guided trip with Jeff Yates on the local trout streams of western Connecticut. He’ll teach the two of you how to fly fish, show you some of the best places to fish locally, and the tactics for fooling local trout. Whether on a river close to your home, or on one of our larger streams, you’ll be sure to have a great time. Fishing equipment provided if needed, plus a copy of Jeff’s book. Includes a $50 gift certificate from the Village Market for a tasty lunch. Date to be agreed upon by donor and winner.
Value: $300
Courtesy of Jeff Yates/Trout Unlimited
Abstract Painting!
A hands-on experience for up to six with local artist Andrea McLaughlin
Learn how to create abstract art! This experience takes place in the Wilton Historical Society’s picturesque and historic 1860 Abbott Barn. After a meet and greet, (and wine..!) Andrea McLaughlin will demo her method for “Fast Abstract Art” painting, sharing tips on composition, color and technique. Then it’s your turn to paint-hands on, (with gentle instruction). No experience needed, just interest and enthusiasm. Each piece is uniquely yours! Next, she will help you crop, edit and mount your work. You will go home with (at least) one unique abstract painting-done in your hand. Ready to frame and hang! All art supplies included. Wear clothes that are paint friendly. Date to be agreed upon between donor and winner.
Value: $240
Courtesy of Andrea Mclaughlin
Play with fire and learn to forge iron!
A day of individual blacksmithing instruction at the forge with expert smithy Skip Kern
Your Blacksmithing 101 experience will take place at the forge in the 1890 Abbott Blacksmith Shop at the Wilton Historical Society. This one-on-one workshop session, from 9 – 4, is an absolutely amazing opportunity to get your hands on all manner of hammers, tongs, and chisels, and learn heating, holding and hitting from a skilled instructor. You will learn forging mechanics, hammer control, safety, and proper techniques. Come home with a piece of your own hand-crafted iron fire place poker (and possibly some 18th-century-style hooks if time permits! All supplies included, as is lunch.
Skip Kern is lead blacksmith at CAMA (Connecticut Antique Machinery Association) in Kent and also at the Boothe Memorial Park in Stratford. An expert at demonstrating and teaching, he is head blacksmith at the Wilton Historical Society.
Value: $350
Courtesy of Skip Kern
Drink LOCAL!
Fifth State Distillery Gift Basket
Fifth State CT Maple Whiskey, tour for 2, and t-shirt, value $100.
Fifth State Distillery is the first craft distillery in Fairfield County since Prohibition. “We use 100% Connecticut Non-GMO corn in all of our products making them Gluten-Free. Our products include award-winning Gin, Vodka, Ginger Zap Vodka, Cinnamon Zap Vodka, Simply Celery Vodka, and CT Maple Whiskey. The Fifth State team is passionate about bringing you unique local spirits with bold flavors, meant for sharing with your friends and family.”
Value: $100.
Courtesy of Fifth State Distillery
No Cooking Tonight!
Basket of Restaurant Certificates
Josh Axelrod
Wish
2018
Film Photograph
“Reminisce upon the day.”
Barking Dog Jewelry
Sterling Silver Frost Pattern Earrings with 8 mm Amethyst Stones
2019
Baskets in Nantucket Tradition: Jane Theobald
Historic Triple Treat Wine Coaster
2019
“This little wine coaster has a fun history and when your bottle sweats it may produce some sweet scents. The bottom comes from a 90-year-old boat. The staves and rims are oak recycled from what was first an old bourbon barrel, which was then used by a craft beer company to flavor a beer. The cane it is woven with is about 70-plus years old. And there is also one recycled baleen corset stave just for fun!”
Sue Brown-Gordon
Pearl Swirl Earrings
Sterling silver and pearl
Sherry Divedi
Organic Cotton Embroidered Lightweight Scarf/Throw
October, 2018
French Studio Design
Carnival Stripe Bag
2018
Hand-dyed fabric
“This fun, contemporary bag has been hand-pieced and sewn using my one-of-a-kind, hand-dyed textiles. The bag is lined and includes a magnetic snap closure.”
GJGJ Designs
Copper Crescent Hematite Earrings
August 2019
Copper Wire & Natural Stone
“When I first began wrapping, this was the third design I had ever done and the one I am most proud of.”
Kristin Helberg
Fraktur Bird Box
2018
Acylics on top with two vinegar-grained panels front and back
“The fraktur bird was used on Pennsylvania Dutch wedding and birth certificates. They were exotic or fancy birds. This expression, joined in heart and hand, was found on an old Pennsylvania Dutch marriage license. Vinegar was a very popular early American decorative art form.”
Chris LaMontagne
Carved Christmas Tree, 22” tall
2019
White Pine
Thaw Malin
Watering Can
2011
Oil on Canvas Panel
“I accidentally scared a turkey away in a friend’s backyard and discovered this red watering can as I turned to go. I think if it hadn’t been red, I might have let it be and gone about my business.”
Kiara Matos Ceramics
Long Tray with Palmita Design
2017
Porcelain
Meb’s Kitchenwares
Salad Tongs
2019
Curly and Ambrosia Maple
“These are the best items that we make! Tom makes the working end, Meb carves in the personality. What a team!”
William Morrison
Traditional Handcrafted Windsor Stool, 22” high
2019
Native Woods, Federal Blue Milk Paint, Oil Finish
Rachel Paxton
Music Magic
2014
Limited Edition Giclée Print
Mark A. Perry
Blue Racing Gull
2009 and 2014
Carved wood
“The form of this gull ‘confidence’ decoy is based on an antique work I had seen. The piece was originally executed in 2009 and was repainted in blue for an exhibition at the Mystic Museum of Art entitled…..you guessed it, Blue!”
7 Barrels
Four-Pack of Oil/Vinegar
Shippee Turning Co.
Ebonized Ephraim Serving Bowl
2019
Cherry with ebonized exterior
Silverstone Designs
Pendant Necklace
2019
Enamel on fine silver with chalcedony stone on a sterling silver chain
Pendant Necklace
2019
Fossilized coral on fine silver with garnet
Kolene Spicher
Birds in the Country
2019
Decorated porcelain vase, wheel-thrown and hand-manipulated and formed
“This vase represents a favorite place of mine. I live in a valley. There are deer and butterflies and bees everywhere. I love to sit outside and see the birds and hear them sing.”
Steinhagen Pottery
Slump-molded Plate
2019
Slump-molded redware clay
“This 18th-century-style piece incorporates Pennsylvania German imagery and motifs, along with one of Benjamin Franklin’s timeless proverbs published in Poor Richard’s Almanac.”
Vaillancourt Folk Art
Nautical Nantucket Santa in Seersucker with Ice Cream
2019
Chalkware
“Signed by the artist, part of the Nantucket Santa Series, which are pieces not just made for those with a passion for Nantucket, but for everyone who believes during the lazy days of summer. Alive with extraordinary painting detail, this Santa ensures that Christmas can be celebrated during the hot summer days.”