This past Saturday was the final day for the Naples Public Library Paddle Art Silent Auction and bidding was fast and furious. The last few moments were tense for library staff and volunteers as art enthusiasts gathered at the library to make final bids on their favorite works. In the end, it was the library that came out the clear winner with over $2,700 raised with this important fund-raiser.

“The library was so fortunate, once again, to receive tremendous support from the local art community. Over the years the library has called on many local artists to help out with activities, programs and fund-raisers and they have always responded with great enthusiasm. Our Paddle Art Auction was no exception. The quality work we received was really what helped set this fundraiser apart,” said library director Meteena Edwards.

Artists that donated work to the auction included Evelyn Abrams, Joy Barnes, Tracy Calnan, Andrea Dacko, Donna Graves, Jill Hanson, Linda Jones, Thomas Merriam, Wendy Newcomb, Andrea Sawyer, Jeff Toole and Noel Watson. Many of these artists contributed more than one work which boosted the interest even more.

Of course, no auction can be a success without bidders, and there were plenty of those during this auction.

“We had so much support from regular library patrons and visitors to the area. Everyone had a favorite work or artist and they would periodically check on the bidding to see if they were still in the running. It was a lot of fun,” said Edwards.