Rochester

Holiday doll fundraiser supports PCCA exhibition program

By Mary Beth Almond
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo provided A variety of handmade dolls and soft toys, including these felt nesting dolls by Madeline Nelson, will be sold during the Holly Dolly Holiday, a silent auction fundraiser for Paint Creek Center for the Arts. Photo provided A variety of handmade dolls and soft toys, including these felt nesting dolls by Madeline Nelson, will be sold during the Holly Dolly Holiday, a silent auction fundraiser for Paint Creek Center for the Arts.

ROCHESTER — Just in time for the holidays, the Paint Creek Center for the Arts is giving art lovers a chance to take home a one-of-a-kind handmade doll or soft toy for themselves or a loved one, all while supporting the arts.

Artists from all over the Detroit area and beyond have agreed to create and donate handmade dolls and toys for the PCCA’s first Holly Dolly Holiday, a silent auction fundraiser for the PCCA’s exhibition program Nov. 16.

“We went to a long list of artists over the Detroit area and beyond. We have dolls coming from artist friends as far away as California,” said PCCA Exhibition Director Mary Fortuna.

Fortuna said she’s seeing a lot of variety in the dolls, which are coming in from artists little by little.

“We’re shooting for anywhere from 50-100 dolls. We hope we get that many. Things are coming in a little at a time, but we have some really great stuff that will be up for auction,” she said. “We would love to hear from anybody who has a handmade doll they made and would like to donate by Nov. 12, because we would like to have the set-up ready before the event.”

The PCCA will have a “Wall of Dolls” on display during the fundraiser, from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 16, ready for bids.

“We’ll have bid cards on the wall and people will register ahead of time and they will make bids on the ones they want. Then, when the auction closes at 9:30 p.m., we’ll cover up the bid cards, and the high bidder will take that doll home,” Fortuna said.

The evening also includes hors d’oeuvres, desserts and complimentary beer and wine, in addition to special discounts on Holiday Gift Gallery purchases.

PCCA Marketing Director Ellen Hughes said everyone is sure to have a great time, while supporting a fabulous cause.

“The proceeds will go to support our exhibition program, which helps us keep our exhibitions free and open to the public throughout the year,” she said. “It’s a small ticket fee for a fun night that will help people kick off the holiday season and help us kick off our holiday season here at PCCA, as well.”

Fortuna said the fundraiser is a great way to get a nice deal on some really unique items, while supporting the center.

“It’s a win-win situation. In getting something great for yourself, you’re also doing something great for us,” she added.

Tickets are $20 per person or $15 for PCCA members and are available online at www.pccart.org or by calling (248) 651-4110. Tickets will also be available at the door. The mission of PCCA is to “enhance life in the region by promoting, encouraging and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts.” PCCA, located at 407 Pine Street, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at malmond@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1060.