The “With Open Arms” Silent Auction, held at The Huntington Art Center on March 16, 2025, was a resounding success, with every single artwork sold by the end of the evening. This highly anticipated event brought together local artists, collectors, and community members, all eager to support The Open Arms Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing resources for homeless families and individuals in Huntington, WV.
A Celebration of Art and Giving
The auction featured a stunning collection of 50 unique pieces, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and mixed media works from both emerging and established artists. Notable contributors included Lisa Thornton, Marcus Bell, Emily Sanders, and Julian Rivera, whose works were among the most sought-after of the evening.
As bidding kicked off at 6:00 PM, attendees showed immediate enthusiasm, leading to several competitive bidding wars. A particularly exciting moment occurred when Thornton’s oil painting, “Golden Horizon,” started at $500 but quickly climbed to $3,200, making it the highest-selling piece of the night.
Supporting a Worthy Cause
The event raised an impressive $75,000, exceeding initial fundraising goals. Every dollar collected will directly benefit The Open Arms Foundation’s shelter programs, job training initiatives, and mental health resources for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” said Karen Mitchell, Executive Director of The Open Arms Foundation. “This auction not only highlights the incredible talent of local artists but also demonstrates the power of art in making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Artists and Attendees Reflect on the Event
Many artists expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to showcase their work while contributing to such a meaningful cause. Marcus Bell, whose abstract painting, “Echoes of Hope”, was among the first pieces to sell, shared his thoughts:
“Seeing my work go to a passionate collector while supporting a cause close to my heart makes this experience incredibly fulfilling.”
Auction attendees also left inspired. Jessica Reed, an art enthusiast and long-time supporter of the foundation, won two pieces and described the night as “one of the most inspiring and rewarding events Huntington has seen in years.”
A Night to Remember
With all artwork sold and fundraising goals exceeded, the “With Open Arms” Silent Auction was a milestone event for both the local art scene and community outreach efforts. Organizers are already planning for an even bigger event next year, hoping to build on this momentum and continue using art as a catalyst for change.
