The annual Box Art Auction benefiting East End Hospice has once again challenged artists to devise ways to creatively transform small donated cigar or wine boxes into works of art. Now in its 23rd year, the event will take place on Aug. 24, starting at 4:30 p.m., in Hoie Hall at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, East Hampton.
“Over 85 artists on the East End have contributed their time, talent, and singular creativity to produce unique works of portable art for this most worthy cause,” says Arlene Bujese, the benefit’s longtime chairwoman.
Among the artists who have answered the call are many who have participated every year since the event’s inception. Eleven others are taking part for the first time.
Among the veteran and new participating artists are Kirsten Benfield, Marilyn Church, Durell Godfrey, Helen Harrison, Leif Hope, Carol Hunt, Dennis Leri, Christa Maiwald, Fulvio Massi, Roy Nicholson, Gabriele Raacke, Randall Rosenthal, Barbara Slate, Hans Van de Bovenkamp, and Dan Welden.
The 2024 Spirit of Community Award will be presented at the benefit to Sandra Wagenfeld, a longtime generous supporter of the Box Art benefit.
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 happen there on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m.
At the benefit on Aug. 24, a silent auction will begin at 4:30, and the live auction will be held starting at 5:45, with Lucas Hunt as the auctioneer. The $100 ticket price includes wine and hors d’oeuvres.
All proceeds will benefit East End Hospice, which remains the only independent nonprofit provider of hospice care in the region. Last year, East End Hospice provided care for over 800 terminally ill patients living on the North and South Forks of Long Island, including eastern Brookhaven.
The boxes to be auctioned can be seen in advance on the hospice’s website, eeh.org. Further information, or to place an absentee bid or receive an invitation, is available from Theresa Murphy of the hospice’s development office, 631-288-7080, or via email to [email protected].
