Sip wine, see demos at Oakton art auction benefit

Art enthusiasts can enjoy work produced by Oakton Community College students, faculty and local artists while supporting Oakton students on their academic endeavors.

The Oakton Educational Foundation's annual "Oakton's Finest: Art for Education's Sake" - a benefit silent art auction takes place starting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19 at the college's Performing Arts Center, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

"It's sure to be a fun night for a worthy cause," Oakton Educational Foundation board President Howard Singer says. "Thanks to the local art community and donors for their support of our organization as we work to empower Oakton students to improve their lives through higher education."

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine tasting, art demonstrations, live music and the final night of "Oakton Celebrates 50 Years (1969-2019)" exhibition at the Koehnline Museum of Art. Besides student scholarships, proceeds support innovation grants for academic and co-curricular programs and other student success initiatives.

Tickets are $50 (charitable gift: $15) and must be purchased by Wednesday, Sept. 11, at www.oakton.edu/giving/.

"The thoughtful support of donors makes all the difference for Oakton students who seek to improve their skills and knowledge by attending the college," Chief Advancement Officer Katherine Sawyer says. "It's inspiring to see our community use art as a way to help students in need."

The Oakton Educational Foundation supports the mission and vision of the college by raising funds in support of student scholarships, academic programs, teaching excellence and capital improvements that enhance the quality of education at Oakton. The foundation approved the disbursement of more than $1 million in funding to cover scholarships and grants for fiscal year 2019, which runs from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019.