The 22nd annual Box Art Auction benefiting East End Hospice has challenged more than 80 artists to find ways to creatively transform small donated cigar or wine boxes into works of art. The event will happen on Aug. 26 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. in Hoie Hall at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, East Hampton.
According to Arlene Bujese, the benefit's longtime chairwoman, among the artists answering the call this year are 12 who have participated every year since the event's inception, and six who are taking part for the first time.
The artists include Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Darlene Charneco, Marilyn Church, Jennifer Cross, Sue Ferguson Gussow, Leif Hope, Carol Hunt, Dennis Leri, Christa Maiwald, Barbara Maslen, Fulvio Massi, Barry McCallion, Roy Nicholson, Gabriele Raacke, Dan Rizzie, Randall Rosenthal, David Slater, Hans van de Bovenkamp, and Dan Welden.
East End Hospice's 2023 Spirit of Community Award will be presented to Kathleen King, the founder of Tate's Bake Shop.
Leading up to the benefit, the boxes can be previewed at Hoie Hall on Wednesday and next Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A complimentary reception with the artists will be held there on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
At the benefit on Aug. 26, a silent auction will begin at 4:30, with the live auction starting at 5:45, with Lucas Hunt as auctioneer. The $100 ticket price includes wine and hors d'oeuvres.
All proceeds will benefit the hospice, which provides care for terminally ill patients, their families, and loved ones living on the North and South Forks. More than 800 patients received hospice care last year, and hundreds of clients received grief and bereavement support. In addition, 180 campers are attending Camp Good Grief this summer under hospice auspices.
The boxes can be viewed in advance, absentee bids placed, and tickets purchased, at eeh.org.
