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Idaho Enterprise

Evening of the Arts takes center stage

The 10th annual Evening of the Arts, sponsored by the Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, was held on Thursday, April 6, in the Malad Middle School. 

The large crowd enjoyed seeing the oil paintings of Joan Hawkins since few people knew that she had this talent. Brian Llewellyn’s bonsai plants were interesting to attendees as most Maladites had never seen such tiny, intricately trimmed plants. The photographs of Ron Spomer demonstrated why he has won so many awards for his outdoor and wildlife photography. Lad Neilson’s large decorative vases were enhanced by silk flowers provided by Daisy Hollow. Lad’s giant metal sculpture of the state of Idaho captured the attention of the attendees. Pat Werk’s leather belts, chaps and ranch chinks showed why he is selected to create leather work for a lot of cowboys and cowgirls.

The 4th graders’ chalk art of mountains backed by the Northern Lights showed how the students have learned about science and art. The 5th graders’ bunny silhouettes highlighted with colored chalk were a perfect backdrop for the Easter Bunny, who made an appearance at the event and handed out bags of candy.

A variety of Middle and High School works of art were on display, showing that Malad has many up-and-coming artists.  The students of Dianne Adams brought their works to show their skills in watercolor and other art media.

The live auction was conducted by Steve Daniels, and the bidding was very competitive. Joan Hawkins and John Williams won the bonsai trees donated by Brian Llewellyn. Dotty Evanson won the “Welcome to the Porch” wooden sign donated by Burbidge Custom Timbers. John Williams won the original watercolor donated by Dianne Adams, the one-of-a-kind metal bell donated by Doug Adams, the wooden bench donated by Kacey Evans and the bird photograph donated by Ron Spomer. Karrie Jo Miller won the metal vase donated by Lad Neilson.  The two 3-night stays at a cabin in Island Park, donated by Jim Everson, were won by Kooper and Lacey Daniels and Kathy Hubbard.

Throughout the night, the silent auction led attendees to watch their bids on the items they hoped to win, leading to some bidding wars on everything from food baskets to restaurant gift cards, event tickets to car care products, toys to clothing and furniture to afghans. Two quilts were raffled off during the evening. Rich Moore won the orange and black Minky blanket made by Sue Evans with fabric donated by Allen Drug.  Jean Thomas won the honeybee quilt made by Carrie Hess.  All proceeds from the auctions and raffle will go toward the continual upgrading and remodeling of patient rooms at the local Hospital.

Popcorn of several flavors was prepared and packed into grab-and-go bags by the Malad High School culinary arts students.  Hospital Foundation members and Hospital employees appreciated the help of the Malad Middle School physical education students in setting up tables and chairs for the event.