By Matt W.
In an effort to raise funds for the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association) Foundation, The Family Foundation School contributed artwork to a silent auction at the IECA Spring Conference in San Francisco, Calif., April 29-May 1.
Sponsored by the Northeast Regional Chapter of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs, the auction showcased the artwork of staff and students of the NATSAP schools represented at the conference.
Only two of the pieces provided by FFS artists were not sold, due to damage during shipping.
The school was surpassed only by the King George School (a therapeutic boarding school in Vermont) in the number of items sold. “We provided over 20 pieces to be auctioned…so this is a great outcome,” said Jeff Brain, Vice President of External Relations and Director of Admissions at FFS.
Featured items included the paintings, photographs, and woodcarvings of both FFS staff and students.
One of the pieces was a watercolor painting by Principal Robin Ducey. Ducey said she was honored to have her artwork sold as part of the auction.
Another piece was the work of Family Seven’s Gianfranco V. Gianfranco sold a painting of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Field of Trees.”
“At first I was reluctant to sell my painting because, as you know, profit is an artist’s worst enemy. But then I decided to sell it because it was for a good cause,” said Gianfranco.
The main contributors to the school’s art collection were the students of Gerald Janauer’s photography class.
Family One’s Sophie W. provided a photo of her own for the auction. “It was a nice way for me to give back to the community with my own art,” said Sophie.
Brain credited Laura W., FFS Admissions Intern, for her effort in making the school’s participation in the auction possible.
“I was responsible for matting the pieces, digitally documenting them, and packing and shipping them to the auction in San Francisco. I also sent a painting and two photos of my own,” Laura explained.
“As an artist in her own right, she was my right-hand person on making this happen,” said Brain.
The project raised $6000. Half of the proceeds went to the artists, and the balance was donated to the IECA.
According to Brain, the NATSAP group is considering making the silent auction an annual event.
