Supporters Turn Out For Save Sag Harbor Art Auction

By Christine Bellini

Participants placed bids on the donated artwork as part of the fundraising event hosted by Save Sag Harbor. Photos by Christine Bellini

Sag Harbor - Organizers for Save Sag Harbor were all smiles Saturday evening as crowds filed into the basement of the Old Whaler's First Presbyterian Church on Union Street in Sag Harbor to cast a bid or two on donated artworks graciously submitted by members of the Sag Harbor art community for the benefit of Save Sag Harbor campaigns.

Carol Rollo of New York and Sag Harbor was among the area residents who turned out
to view the offerings in the auction.

According to Mia Grosjean and April Gornik, the event garnered interest from art collectors and neighborhood supporters who mingled among the offerings while tasting bite-sized treats from Amber Bakery, Cavaniola's Gourmet Cheese Shop and Schiavoni's IGA. Refreshments were donated by Sag Harbor Liquors and Channing Daughters Winery.

"Instead of a gloomy-economy response to the benefit, we were deeply gratified that the community once again came together to celebrate, brainstorm, and support Save Sag Harbor," Gornik commented.

Event organizers Mia Grosjean and April Gornik.

Save Sag Harbor, a grass-roots community action committee, sprung to action in July of 2007 when interest in converting the Water Street Shops into a CVS drug store sparked local concern over "big box" infiltration into Sag Harbor's retail district. The group has been instrumental in gathering public opinion regarding future development in the historic village.

In addition to commending the supporters for their participation, Grosjean reminded the gathering to "shop locally" during the holidays as 'Main Street is hurting'" due to the national recession.

Among the participating artists, Dan Rizzie, Mirian Dougenis, Eric Fischl, John Alexander, Doug Kuntz, Steve Miller, Joe Pintauro, Blair Seagram, Michael Viera, Ned Smyth and other noted Sag Harbor based artists, many of whom were on hand, donated artwork for the fundraising event. According to organizers, on-going planning projects and legal fees are the main concern.

In a special presentation, Brenda Siemer was surprised with a framed photo print of her husband, veteran actor Roy Scheider, who died earlier this year following a long illness. Receiving the gift, Siemier said, "You should all know how happy he was to move here and become a part of Sag Harbor."