Auction and garden extravaganza filled with bargains

There's something about an auction that brings out the unique character in all of us, and the

June 4 "Spring for the Garden" Art Auction and Garden Extravaganza will be no exception.

This premier event came about as a result of a fundraising need to "retire the debt" on The Healing Garden on the grounds of Bonner General Hospital.

Through the creative efforts of our renowned area artists, this fundraising event will showcase the artistry of our community. Artists and artisans were encouraged to "let their imaginations run wild" — whether it be in the form of a painting, photograph, sculpture — or a wonderful, colorful playhouse, unique bench or ten-foot garden trellis.

"Spring for the Garden" is a combination of events designed to appeal to everyone of all ages and interests. The children's event will start at 11:00 am in The Healing Garden. The event is free and will feature Simone Varney and her 12 beautiful, handmade puppets in a show called "The Gods Know". Many of our area students are painting and creating their own visions of The Healing Garden, which will be on display in the "garden". Along with the "dancing ducks and free huckleberry ice cream cones, children will be planting sweet woodruff in a selected area of The Healing Garden.

Families can then drift over to The City Forum, a block away on Third Avenue, and preview all the auction items featured at the silent and live auctions. Viewing of the silent and live auction items will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and is free.

The silent auction will be a gardener's delight with a wide variety of "garden art" that includes everything from mosaic covered garden tools, whimsical sculpture, birdbaths, birdhouses, plant containers, benches, ornamental iron, garden trellises-to fine art and more.

This is the place where you may discover that unique piece of garden art you've always wanted. You can enjoy the creativity of others and hopefully take home a "great find" or two.

Our friends, neighbors and co-workers have been letting their "own imaginations run wild" and contributing an eclectic variety of garden-related art for the silent auction. If you're interested in contributing your own brand of creativity, you can call the hospital community relations office at 265-1123.

The main gala event will start at 3:00 p.m. and tickets are $20. Silent auction bids will be called from 3:00-4:00 p.m., and the live auction will begin at 4:30 p.m.. This "world class" auction will feature auctioneer Glen Black, and showcase the spectacular work of many of our region's renowned artists.

Upon entry, ticket holders will be assigned an auction number and paddle, along with a detailed description of each item up for live auction. To accompany the auction drama, you'll enjoy the music of Natalie Miller & the Jazz Brats, as well as appetizer buffets, and a no host bar with beer, wine and champagne.

Artists who have generously contributed to the auction effort include Rome Stuckart, Tim Thomas, Stephen Schultz, David Hutchins, Mark Heisel, Nan Cooper, Eileen Klatt, Ruth Hargreaves, Dorothy Modafferi, Gary Kaemmer, and dozens of other accomplished painters, sculptors, photographers, weavers, and woodworkers.

Everyone who walks into The Healing Garden knows that this is a piece of landscape architecture that will preserve a precious piece of Sand Creek for generations to come. Artists, in particular, revel in the accomplishment of the community commitment to provide such an enduring place of healing tranquility.

Tickets are $20 and available at the Bonner General Hospital switchboard, Eve's Leaves, All Seasons Nursery, Sharon's Hallmark, Monarch Mountain Coffee and the Pend Oreille Winery. Seating is limited, so buy your tickets now. Even if you can't make the event, a donation to The Healing Garden is always appreciated.

"Spring for the Garden" is sponsored by The Healing Garden Committee. We invite the community, whether you be a collector of fine art or a lover of gardens, to join us in a day of artistry, garden whimsy, lively bidding, food, fun and friendship. We encourage you to bid on your favorite "objects d'art" and help "retire the debt" on The Healing Garden, a garden designed for the community-by the community.