Q: How does the virtual event work?
A: Our event is basic by design. We have compiled donated art pieces from several local artists of all ages. They have all been put into one post on our Autism Awareness NEPA Facebook page. Bidding can be done online by commenting on the photos individually. Minimum bids are in $10 increments. Bidding opened Feb. 1 and will close on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m.
Q: What are some of the items participants can bid on?
A: There are large, medium and small paintings; stained glass; a custom-made lamp with an attached sculpture; and several drawings from very talented kids and adults.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A:Every year (excluding 2020), the funds raised by Autism Awareness NEPA are put back into our community to help programs provide for children and adults with Autism. Previous grant recipient SAFE Inc. founded an art program called “Autastic Artists,” which still runs today. Camp Orchard Hill offers autism scholarships for its summer programs. Other (recipients) include New Story, Step By Step Inc., the Greater Pittston YMCA, Hillside Farms and the Jewish Community Center in Wilkes-Barre, to name a few.
Q: What is unique about this event?
A: We are honored to have multiple pieces donated by younger and older individuals with autism. Expression can be difficult for many individuals with autism, and art is a great form of expression. It is something you can do anywhere at any time of year to fit any emotion you may have.
If you participate
What: Online Art Auction supporting Autism
Awareness NEPA
Details: Bid on individual photos through Feb. 20 on the Autism Awareness NEPA Facebook page. Only bids made in the comments of an individual photos are valid. For more information, email autismawareness.nepa@gmail.com or visit autismawarenessnepa.org.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
