The arts bring people together, so it seems fitting that a benefit auction to raise money for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center’s 60th anniversary should focus on shared experiences. “We want something special and unique, that falls in line with the Bowlus’s mission to offer art, culture, entertainment, education and family activities,” Traci Plumlee, a volunteer who is helping to organize the auction, said. Consider just a few items expected to be on the auction block: • A five-night stay for four at a luxury condo in New York City • A three-night trip for four to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, with dinner, tours and tastings at three distilleries • A private distillery tour with whisky tasting and dinner for 10 in Kansas City, Mo.
• A floral design class in Humboldt • An elegant dinner party (and optional murder mystery) at the historic Northrup House in Iola • Name a drink for the menu at The Hitching Post • Local Airbnb stays • Jewelry • Artwork and photography, with original pieces by area residents (including a Gary Hawk painting) • Naming rights for the green room at the Bowlus for one year and a book signed by all of the performers for the season THE auction is part of the Bowlus’s 60th anniversary gala on Sept. 14. The event includes a sold-out dinner, a reception with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, and a concert with an ABBA tribute band.
The auction is actually a three-part event..
