Art Exhibit and Live Auction to Benefit Paxton Manor

Art lovers are invited to attend a special exhibit at the Paxton Manor this Saturday and Sunday, which will feature photographs and assembled sculptures created by local artists.

Each piece will be available for purchase and proceeds from the entire event will be donated to the campus and its programs, which includes Maggie's Closet, a nonprofit group that supplies new or gently used clothing to those who are in need.

“This is the first event of its kind to take place on the campus,” said Board Member Meredith Lefforge, adding that Vintage Press Photographer James Davis came up with the idea last year.

“[He] approached the board with a fantastic idea to use the historic mansion to showcase a collection of hauntingly beautiful photographs while raising much-needed funds for Paxton's programs at the same time,” she said. “I see this as a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Davis described this weekend’s event as an art exhibit, reception and fundraiser all in one. Visitors can either enter the exhibit through the main entrance of the mansion, which is currently set up for the annual haunted house attraction, or through a “not so scary” entrance for those who'd prefer to skip the sneak peak.

Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase the displayed pieces on Saturday or Sunday prior to a live auction beginning at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, a bake sale will take place and a live vintage DJ will be on hand.

“This is going to be an amazing event,” Davis said. “We are hoping to sell our art and get our name out there but it’s nice that we can include that with raising awareness of this property too.”

The art show will run from noon to 9 p.m. this Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. A $5 donation or clothing donation is being requested by anyone who attends the event. The Paxton Campus is located at 601 Catoctin Circle NE. Visit www.paxtoncampus.org.