Popular Chair-ish The Kids Art Auction Moves To Loveless Barn

Kids throughout Middle Tennessee get a helping hand when the arts community brings out their coolest “chair” themed works as well as stunning artwork from invitational artists for the popular Chair-ish The Kids Art Auction benefiting Kids On The Block set for Thursday, March 25 at the Loveless Cafe Barn in Nashville off Highway 100.

The premier event, in its fourteenth year, helps the non-profit Kids On The Block organization serve close to 40,000 kids throughout Middle Tennessee promoting understanding and acceptance while helping kids deal with bullying, child abuse, prejudice, divorce and other health and social concerns impacting their lives.

Andee Rudloff, Frist Center for the Visual Arts’ community relations manager, said the Chair-ish The Kids Art Auction has been embraced by artists trying to make a difference in kids lives.

“Guests attending the event have the opportunity to purchase incredible works of art while supporting a worthy cause. I am so proud of our artists who are uniting to help teach tolerance and acceptance while promoting a healthy community through this event. In an ideal world, no child would suffer and charitable instincts and education would prevail with global acceptance of all different types of people. Our community is so lucky to have Kids On The Block to help make our world a better place,” Rudloff said.

Event co-chairs Betsy Cunagin and Birgitta Williamson said the art extravaganza features a live auction of work by impressive invitational and award-winning artisans including “Lost Boys” photographer Jack Spencer, concrete artist Sherri Warner Hunter, media dimensional artist Don Evans, photographer Stacey Irvin and crayon sculptor Herb Williams as well as a silent auction with a unique collection of chair-themed art, trips, sports experience items, jewelry, art lessons and more.

“From sitting in the co-host chair for 104.5 The Zone sports show with George Plaster and Willy Daunic to whimsical children’s Adirondack chairs, the event’s live and silent auctions have imaginative ‘chair’ themed creations. The Adirondack chairs are part of a series of artful objects painted by local artists including wooden tree swings and adorable step stools which are perfect for little ones. With the Loveless Barn as the backdrop, it is a laid-back, fun cocktail party for a worthy cause,” Cunagin said.

Williamson said a preview of the auction pieces for the Loveless Cafe Barn can be found on-line at STARS (Students Taking A Right Stand) Nashville’s Facebook page.  Kids On The Block is an incredible arm of this non-profit organization founded in 1981 with the help and guidance of former Ambassador Joe M. Rodgers. (www.starsnashville.org/kidsontheblock)

“A highlight of the evening is watching the Kids On The Block puppet performance. It’s a great mix of imagination and education and the night generates much-needed funds to allow the program to reach and impact students’ lives throughout the area,” Williamson said.

Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at 615-983-6805, edaunic@starsnashville.org or visit www.starsnashville.org for more info.

Founded in 1984, STARS is a national leader in school-based student assistance programs whose specialists work throughout nine Middle Tennessee counties helping students and families tackle tough social issues like cyber bullying, peer pressure, substance abuse and violence helping remove these barriers to learning. STARS’ Kids on the Block program uses life-sized Japanese Bunraku-style puppets and other interactive teaching methods to educate children and the broader community about health and social concerns affecting their lives.

Invitational artists participating in the Kids Art Auction at the Loveless Cafe Barn are Jack Spencer, Sherri, Warner Hunter, Don Evans, Stacey Irvin and Herb Williams.

Loveless Cafe Barn
8400 Highway 100
Nashville, TN 37221