PORT TOWNSEND — The Art for Education Auction this weekend will highlight the work and life of the late Kathleen Burgett, who taught art at Port Townsend High School.
The Port Townsend Education Foundation’s sixth annual Art for Education Auction will be from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Commons at Fort Worden State Park.
Tickets cost $50 per person and include Discover Pass entry.
They can be purchased in advance at www.pteducationfoundation.org and will be available at the door.
Burgett died at the age of 63 last July after a battle with appendiceal cancer.
She had worked for more than a decade as art teacher at Port Townsend High.
“We’re really about excited about celebrating her work and her career,” said Miranda Berger, development chairwoman of the Port Townsend Education Foundation.
First item up
A giclée, or high-quality printing, of one of Burgett’s creations, “Untitled,” an oil Impressionist-style painting, will be the first item up for bid during the live auction.
The image was donated by her family, Berger said.
Foundation members, who hope to raise at least $65,000 at Saturday’s auction, are using Burgett’s artwork to promote the auction.
Speakers at the event will tell of her life and work, Berger said.
More than 80 pieces of art — paintings, photographs and woodwork — will be sold in live and silent auctions at the fundraiser.
Art of experiences
Auction items also will include “the art of experiences,” Berger said, such as sailing (passes for the Adventuress during the September Wooden Boat Festival), dying (an attorney has donated will-writing services) and wine tasting (a local winemaker will bring wine for a party of up to 20 people).
“And there are many other experiences,” Berger said.
The annual auction is the largest fundraising event for the foundation, which solely supports Port Townsend public schools by providing grants to teachers for innovative learning programs.
Since 2007, the foundation has given away $271,000 in grants, Berger said.
“Our volunteer board is dedicated to supporting the students and teachers of Port Townsend, and we are inspired by the legacy and work of Mrs. Burgett,” said Caitlin Harrison, the Port Townsend Education Foundation’s board president.
For more information, visit www.pteducationfoundation.org.
