Troup ISD employs artful methods raise money for scholarship fund
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Pam Starkey shows off one of her pieces, while T.J. Fleming works on his project (below).

Troup High School's annual art auction may not be the launch pad for any professional artists, but it's a safe bet that the funds raised there will help in the realization of someone's career goals.

For the third year in a row, the auction is being used as a creative means of raising money for the school's scholarship fund. With more than $4,000 gleaned from last year's selection of paintings, drawings, crafts and other projects, students are hard at work completing the fares that will go to this year's highest bidders.

"Last year was really a surprise," said Pam Starkey, art teacher and coordinator of the auction. "We made almost twice the year before, and we're hoping to do well this year."

Entries in the auction come from all ages, from the elementary up to Starkey's advanced high school classes. FFA students also contribute projects, and Starkey usually does three or four drawings.

Last year's success has certainly raised the bar for the auction's potential, and Starkey is quick to thank the community for its support.

"They really turned out for us," she said, adding that the quality of some of the work plus the debut of senior portraits made a difference. "That really brought additional support."

Some of the works in the auction come from projects students have completed throughout the course of the year, but many of the pieces are done in the last month to six weeks before the big night. Starkey said they have received a lot of requests this year, especially for more portraits.

Although Starkey said there was some good-natured grumbling when students found out they weren't receiving the funds from the sale of their own projects, she said they look forward to the event.

"They like the idea of the exposure," she said. "I think some approach it as a different challenge, knowing their work will be seen by the pubic."

And not just seen, but appreciated. Although a great number of parents purchase their own child's work, bidding on some of last year' projects was spirited (five pieces sold for at least $200). Two of then-senior Chelsea Hartman's paintings now grace the walls of Zavalla's Pizza & Wings, indicating an interest beyond the familial.

Whatever the final tally of this year's event, the auction is a success as it demonstrates a vital relationship between the Troup community and its schools. And that's something you can't put a price on.

(Troup's third annual Art Auction will be Thursday, May 1 at 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium.)

Photos/Charlotte Smith Lauren McKenzie puts the finishing touches on a Tiger colored drawing, while Carlos Garcia (right) does a portrait.