The Butteville Elementary School community is celebrating the return of a beloved local tradition — the Art & Wine Auction — along with an extra special year for its annual Artist-in-Residence Program.
The previously annual art auction was suspended in 2020 and is finally returning to the school community. On Saturday, March 28th, this tradition will once again bring together local artists, art lovers, and school supporters to celebrate creativity — showcasing both regional artwork and the incredible talent of Butteville students.
“The opportunity to work with local artists and explore new forms of art makes the Artist-in-REsidence a truly unique program,” says Jenny Heath, President of the Butteville Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), “The PTO is grateful to our wonderful teachers and local artists who participate. We look forward to showcasing their art at the Art Auction and Wine Tasting event, which benefits all Butteville students.”
While the dedicated Butteville PTO works year-round to fundraise in support of the school’s arts programming — including the Artist-in-Residence Program — this year the program received an additional boost through grant funding from The Karen Copsey Memorial Fund of Community Foundation of the North State.
The generous grant will expand the supplies and materials available to visiting artists, giving students even greater opportunity to explore and express their creativity.
Karen Copsey was a longtime resident of Siskiyou County, a trailblazer for women architects in the North State, and was deeply involved in design projects at College of the Siskiyous and other regional educational facilities. She was also a talented artist who excelled in many creative disciplines. Karen and two of her siblings attended Butteville Elementary when it was a two-room schoolhouse, with first through fourth grades in one room and fifth through eighth grades in the other.
Butteville is honored to have her foundation support the continued artistic growth of its students and to help carry forward her creative legacy.
“The Butteville Elementary School District supports the Artist-in-Residence program as part of its commitment to providing students with alternative opportunities to think, create, and perform with confidence beyond the conventional classroom,” said Eric Bragg, Superintendent/Principal of Butteville Elementary School.
Each year, the PTO and District work together to ensure the fine and performing arts remain a meaningful part of students’ educational experience.
This year’s Artist-in-Residence Program offers students a wide range of hands-on artistic experiences:
● 7th Grade students are working with Amanda Thomas, Instructor of Fine Arts at College of the Siskiyous, and ceramics artist and Instructional Support Specialist Sean Julian at the COS ceramics lab.
● 6th grade students are creating a collaborative wood sculpture and painting with Stan Sours.
● 5th Grade students created ceramic art pieces with Izzy Grable.
● 4th Grade students are working with Rick Vertolli, a creator and educator in computer animation, learning to tell stories using stop animation and digital media.
● 3rd Grade students are learning collaborative quilting with fabric artist Delona Jensen, creating art that reflects both individual expression and teamwork.
● Kindergarten and 2nd Grade students are working with local muralist and art educator Kim Solga, whose teaching philosophy centers on empowering children through open-ended exploration
● 1st grade students are learning about fingerprint art with Sarah Woods, a traditional painter & crafter, using their fingerprints to bring beauty and uniqueness to create an acrylic painting on canvas.
● Transitional Kindergarten is working with local landscape and pastel artist Willo Balfrey
The community is invited to join in celebrating these talented young artists on March 28th and to be part of a tradition that connects past and present — honoring Karen Copsey’s legacy while investing in the creativity of the next generation.
Art Auction & Wine Tasting
Saturday, March 28
5:30 PM
Inspiration Theatre
24512 Edgewood Road
Weed, CA 96094
Tickets: $50 individual | $90 per couple
Available online at: https://art-wine-auction.square.site
