VIEWFINDER: PHHS Art Auction Draws Crowds

Art lovers of all ages gathered Friday evening for . 

The school's cafeteria-turned-galleria housed more than 100 original pieces, produced by students, teachers and alumni. While admission was free, each $25 ticket guaranteed the holder one piece of artwork. Proceeds benefit the school's visual arts program.

After an hour of browsing, ticket holders were chosen in a randomly selected order to claim an artwork to purchase.

Student Courtney Klein's painting of a flower sold first. Her father, Gregory Klein, the school resource officer, said he was lucky to purchase it before anyone else had the chance.

Ticket holders were equipped with score cards, allowing them to keep track of which pieces had already been sold. 

Fortunately for 17-year-old Maria Anagnostou, vice president of the school's National Art Honor Society chapter, her favorite piece—a bright red and blue ceramic dish—was still available when her number was called.

"I saw this when it was being made, and I liked it then, so I was excited to see it here at the auction," said Anagnostou.

This year's event enjoyed a strong turn-out of students and community members alike, said Corinna McShane, an art teacher and event coordinator. "They don't realize how exciting it is until they come."