UMVA seeks artist entries for silent auction fundraising gala

The Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA) seeks submissions of artwork for the Carlo Pittore Costume Ball and Art Auction, which will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 3 at Bowdoinham’s Merrymeeting Hall, 27 Main St. Bowdoinham was the home of Pittore’s studio.

Artists are encouraged to submit one piece following the guidelines on the UMVA website at theumva.org/chapter-news-calls-for-art. Artists choose their opening bid and choose an amount to donate to UMVA from 50% to 100% of the final sale price. The first 50 artworks will be accepted; first come first served. The deadline to submit work is July 5.

Pittore, the subject of the film “CARLO … and his Merry Band of Artists,” produced by Richard Kane as part of the UMVA Maine Masters project, will premiere at the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) mid-July with a panel of the UMVA’s founders and film’s participants. It also screens at NOMAD in Fort Andross, 14 Main St., Brunswick, on Aug. 1 and 4 as part of the gala activities, as well as at the Waldo Theater in Waldoboro on July 25 and the Lincoln Theater in Damariscotta on Aug. 8.

This UMVA Gala and Art party celebrates community and camaraderie in the spirit of Carlo Pittore, the force behind the founding of the UMVA in 1975. Pittore’s studio was in Bowdoinham. The band BookHead SweetTooth from Belfast will supply the music. Suggested donations range from $10 to $50 at the door. Auction proceeds will go to funding and operating a new and improved UMVA website, providing more value for members.