March 4: PHHS to Host Student Art Auction

Art auctions aren't all about stuffy venues and million-dollar masterpieces.

On Friday, March 4, will host its sixth annual art auction. While admission is free, a $25 ticket guarantees the holder one piece of original artwork. Proceeds benefit the school's visual arts program.

"One of the challenges of working for a high school is that we have a limited budget," said John Hostalka, a PHHS art teacher and event coordinator. "This allows us to provide students with more higher quality art supplies." 

Beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the school's cafeteria, attendees are given an hour to look over more than 100 original artworks created by students, teachers and alumni. Pieces include oil paintings, watercolors, drawings and photographs.

In a randomly selected order, each ticket holder is then allowed to select one artwork.

"The most exciting part is to see which artwork gets sold first," said Hostalka.

Even if they don't get their first choice, attendees are rarely disappointed with their selection, he said. In past years, there have always been more pieces available than tickets sold.

Alyssa Denicolis, a 15-year-old sophomore, submitted an ink drawing of a tree to the auction.

"I'm excited about it," said Denicolis. "It's nice to share what I've been working on." 

Lea Ritson, a 16-year-old junior, submitted an elaborate oil landscape—which she said her mother hopes to purchase.

But parents often face stiff competition from community members hoping to purchase their child's artwork, said Hostalka.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance from school administrators. Tickets can also be reserved by e-mailing cmcshane@bcps.org.