Local artists are hosting an art auction on Friday to benefit Skipjack Nautical Wares and Marine Gallery in Portsmouth after a fire destroyed the gallery on Dec. 20.

The gallery also served as a home for owners Joe and Alison Elder.

The event will be held at Chez Papillote Restaurant in Portsmouth and a silent auction will begin at 6 p.m. A live auction will follow at 7 p.m. featuring artwork by more than 30 artists including J. Robert Burnell, Betty Burnell, Vicki Bruner, Ray Rountree and Angela Bounds.

Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth will close its gallery on Friday evening in support of the event. The regular “First Friday” art event will be held in February featuring Joyce McAdams.

For more information on the auction visit www.friendsofskipjack.com or call Riverview Gallery at 397-3207.

Posted: 01|2|08 at 6:37 pm. Filed under: Fine Art News.