Iowa artists team with youth writers to provide ART Sparks auction items, to benefit IYWP

Bids have been open for several days now for ART Sparks, a silent auction to benefit the Iowa Youth Writing Project. The event culminates Friday evening, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m., at Hudson River Gallery (538 S Gilbert St, 2nd floor, Iowa City), with a reception featuring readings from IYWP summer camp youth writers. Bidding will remain open through the end of the night.

Up for auction are art pieces from a wide variety of artists with a connection to Iowa, alongside the writings they have inspired, which have been created by IYWP participants. The artists involved include Public Space One director John Englebrecht, Cedar Rapids sculptor Tom Newport, art teacher at Iowa City’s Dream Center Tamara Recker, Paper Nest owner/operator Elizabeth Munger and many more.

The works will all be on display at the Hudson River Gallery starting Tuesday, Aug. 23 (gallery hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.). The auction is a joint project of the IYWP and Prompt Press, an Iowa City journal dedicated to exploring the intersection between visual art and the written word. In addition to the show and the auction, some student writings will also be featured on the Prompt Press website.

Current minimum bids range from $20 to $2,000. Online bidding will close Thursday, Aug. 25. Those who bid early will receive an email on Aug. 24 noting the current high bid on their desired piece. Bidding continues in person at the Aug. 26 reception, where would-be collectors can also see the written responses to each item.