Gloaming Picnic & Art Auction a resounding hit

Thanks to a presenting sponsor and an enthusiastic sold-out crowd at the first-ever Gloaming Picnic and Art Auction, proceeds from the auction and ticket sales will boost restoration and preservation efforts at the Old Clarkesville Cemetery. 
Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens offset the cost of staging the event that included music, dinner, drinks and dessert preceding a lively art auction led by first-time auctioneer Leigh Johnston. 
“We are delighted with the success of the evening,” said Historic Clarkesville Cemetery Preservation, Inc. Board Chair Barrie Aycock. “We are so grateful for the donation of incredible art and photography to infuse the evening’s grand finale.” 
The auction generated more than $6,000, Aycock added. 
“We are also thankful to our many volunteers – board members and others – who worked tirelessly to organize the event,” she said. 
Anne Short, board member and co-owner of Clarkesville’s newest art resource, Hemlock Studio Gallery, coordinated the artwork donations. Before the auction, guests interacted with the artists working in the cemetery.
“I couldn’t be more pleased with the response to the original works of art,” Short said. “Many of the artists traveled from Gainesville to be with us for the event, making the experience even more meaningful.”