OCAF readies auction

An auctioneer's gavel will signal the newest program in Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation's evolving development as a major regional arts organization.

Auction 2010, featuring antiques, original art and collectibles, will be conducted Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at OCAF's Rocket Hall on School Street.

Yet, as a new event, the auction has a long history, as event coordinator Peggy Pitts explained.

"In 2004, an OCAF member donated two living room chairs to our annual thrift sale - very nice items. They probably would have sold for $50 each on Preview Night. However, an auctioneer came through prior to our sale and spotted the chairs. He had an upcoming auction and offered to include the chairs, and other items, in his auction, with all proceeds going to OCAF."

The two red chairs sold for $500 - each.

"That's when our interest in having an OCAF auction was sparked," Pitts said.

The foundation's board of directors approved the event this spring.

"We feature a number of events during the year for fundraising purposes. This is the latest, and we believe it will be one of our most exciting," Pitts said. "We're certainly starting with the right personality to call the auction - Sam Williamson. He's considered to be the best of the best."

Williamson, of Athens' Williamson Brothers Realty and Auction Co., is a member of the National