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Whitewater’s banner auction Sept. 22

Dave Himsel helps hang the banners in Whitewater earlier this year. The banners will be auctioned on Saturday, Sept. 22. File photo.

WHITEWATER--Now is your chance to own one of those unique and colorful banners that have graced downtown Whitewater all summer. On Saturday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m., 50 one-of-a-kind banners will be auctioned off during the Whitewater Arts Alliance’s annual fundraiser at the Whitewater Cultural Arts Center, 402 West Main Street. This year no tickets are required and there will be no admission charge to attend the auction.

Doors open at 4:00 p.m. with live music and refreshments and an opportunity to view all the banners and prepare your bid. Proceeds from the auction go to fund the works of the Whitewater Arts Alliance throughout the year. This year’s art includes banners created by local organizations, and artists including four done by Stoughton artist, Derek Hambly, whose works were exhibited earlier this year at the Cultural Arts Center.

As has become the tradition, the object for next year’s public art display will be revealed at the close of the auction and the form will be available for artists to get started on their 2013 creations. Also available for purchase this year will be stands that have been fabricated by the Scharine Group for displaying the banners outdoors.

The banners of the 8th annual public art project have been up on Whitewater’s Main Street light poles since May and are sponsored by the Whitewater Arts Alliance.

In recent years, the artwork was produced by professional and amateur artists, school children from pre-school to high school, community members, families, business owners … all with creative ideas to share.This year’s theme, "It’s a Banner Year in Whitewater", is a tribute to the Whitewaterbanner.com, the on-line newsletter serving the Whitewater area and operated by Jim Stewart.