Annual Signed, Sealed & Delivered a success

The popular fund-raising event Signed, Sealed & Delivered returned for the eighth year to the Silvermine Guild Arts Center in New Canaan with a special collectors' party on Oct. 3. The rainy day did not keep the more than 125 people away from the festivities of this sold out fundraiser. SGAC raised more than $17,000 for this annual event.

Guests bid on original works of art for the silent auction created by friends of Silvermine including Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison and Faith Ringgold, as well as guild artists Jocelyn Braxton Armstrong, Miggs Burroughs, Peggy Dembicer, David Dunlop, Constance Old, Peter Petrochko and Susan Sharp.

Signed, Sealed & Delivered featured original works of art by Silvermine Guild artists, School of Art faculty, and invited artists and friends. The art work, all sized 4 by 6 inches, included paintings, prints, photographs, mixed media and collages. An element of mystery added to the fun: the artist's signature was on the back, visible only after the purchase. All works sold for $50 each, with the fourth purchase free.

Co-chairmen for this year's event included Silvermine Guild members and participating artists, Tom Bernsten of Norwalk, Nash Hyon of Wilton, and Roger Mudre of Weston, who returned for the eighth year. Joining them was new co-chairwoman Nancy Nikkal of Hastings-on-Hudson.

Proceeds from the collectors' party and the public sale Oct. 4, benefited Silvermine's non-profit programs that include gallery exhibitions, scholarships for the School of Art, and Art Partners, a community outreach program.

For more information, call 966-9700 or visit www.silvermineart.org.

Silvermine Galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.