Antioch arts foundation to auction painting

Antioch Fine Arts Foundation member and painter Judy Chinski has been involved in the foundation since its debut in 2001.

A former gallery director, Chinski has had several pieces on display throughout the years and will be auctioning off one of her paintings at the annual Art Auction and Wine Tasting on Friday, Sept. 18.

The event, which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Comfort Inn on Route 173, serves as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the foundation, and this year there are 20 foundation members represented in the auction, Chinski said.

Chinski recently spent some time on the west coast and said the piece she will be donating to the auction is inspired by her trip.

She referred to the painting as a "west coast ocean painting" and it is in watercolors, which is what Chinski said is her primary medium. The painting measures 16 inches by 20 inches and will be framed.

She said she believes the art auction will provide buyers with artwork that is half the cost of what they would pay at the gallery.

"Items will be available from $50 and up," Chinski said. "It's a great way for our (local) artists to get their art out to the public."

Another artist and past president of the foundation, Roger Shule, will also have a print of his work in the auction.

Shule, who was an art teacher for 35 years, does painting, calligraphy and drawing, he said.

Shule said he hopes this year's auction will be as successful as past auctions, even with the current economic state. He said businesses in Antioch have been very supportive of the foundation.

"The gallery has a very good reputation," Shule said. "Some businesses in town let us show our work."

To add more to the festivities of this year's auction, the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation has kept up the tradition of the free wine tasting, provided by Antioch Fine Wine and Liquor.

The foundation also decided to make this year's event a Chamber of Commerce mixer as well.

Shule said the chambers from Antioch, Lake Villa, Round Lake, Grayslake and Fox Lake have all been invited to the auction. He said they are hoping this new aspect will provide more support for the foundation and businesses in the area.

Alongside the art auction, there will be a raffles with items such as gift certificates from members of the community and businesses, Chinski said.

"We hope to get people out there and get some good items in the auction," Chinski said.

For more information, visit AntiochFineArts.org.