Rock On Talbot Chairs Make Debut

CHRIS POLK
The Star Democrat

EASTON, Md. (AP) -- Animal lovers flocked to the Avalon Theatre to view this season's bevy of artistic Adirondack rocking chairs, each painted by a local artist in the latest installment of "Rock On Talbot."

Rock On Talbot is a fundraiser started last year by a group of women who wanted to help out a family in need. The family had been faced with serious illness, surgeries, and mounting medical bills. They started with 29 brand new Adirondack rocking chairs, and invited an artist to paint each one. The chairs were displayed in various locations throughout Talbot County. After a period of public display, the chairs were auctioned and the proceeds, which reached an unexpected $18,000, helped turn the family's misfortune around.

This year, the proceeds will benefit homeless animals at Talbot Humane. Twenty-eight one-of-a-kind painted chairs, showcasing the amazing talent in the county, were on display during a preview event at the Avalon Theatre March 27.

They will be auctioned in May.

But first, the chairs will be greeting the public at various businesses in Easton, St. Michaels and at the Oxford Community Center. The businesses include the Academy Art Museum, Bartlett Pear Inn, Benson and Mangold/The Gearhart Group, Bountiful, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Chesapeake Bay Outfitters, Doc's Downtown Grille, Dwelling and Design, Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals, Elizabeth Claire Salon, Gina's Cafe, Hair o' the Dog, Hobby Town, Lacaze Meredith Real Estate, Lizzy Dee, Mason's, The Milestone, Miranda's Shoes, Moonvine, Mystery Loves Company Books, Piazza Italian Market, The Preppy Redneck, Robert W. Baird and Company/The SRVP Group, Rise Up Coffee, Sean's Music, the Soda Fountain at Hill's, Theo's Steak, Sides and Spirits, Town and Country Liquors, 208 Talbot, and Wet Dog Car Wash.

Chairs will be auctioned off Sunday, May 4, at The Milestone in Easton. Patrons will get complimentary food and drink while Jay Brown of the Royal Oak Musicians performs. A silent auction will supplement the live auction, featuring items donated by local businesses. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and the live auction will begin at 3 p.m.

Art and animal lovers may also review the chairs and bid for them online.

For more information on Rock On Talbot Humane, participating artists and a look at the chairs, visit www.talbothumane.org/rock-talbot-humane.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)