Dreyfoos school of the arts silence auction Facebook page

The Visual Arts Parents Association or VAPA logo showcases some of the artwork that was auctioned off on Nov. 7. Select students had the luxury of selling their art to the public in a silent auction. “The auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” digital deal Peter Stodalak said. “We [had] students selling their artwork, band students performing, lots of foods, and students taking pictures.”

Visual and digital students of all grades came together on Nov. 6 for the annual Visual Arts Parent Association, or VAPA auction, a night filled with art, music, and fundraising. Students were able to showcase their work as it was sold to raise money for their department, and volunteers put together impressive silent auction items that were given to the highest bidder.

“The auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” digital dean Peter Stodalak said. “We [had] students selling their artwork, band students performing, lots of food, and students taking pictures.”

Students were able to volunteer at the auction for in house hours. They were required to wear black and white and serve food to the guests.

“Volunteering at the auction is important because it helps us show off our department to the community,” digital sophomore Radley Docekal said. “It also is really beneficial for us because it’s how we get most of our hours for juries and it’s not very hard.”

The visual and digital department are know for the abstract and unique work that the students produce. Work like this should not be limited to the Dreyfoos gates, which is why students being able to sell their artwork at the VAPA auction is such an honor.       

“The students who have the opportunity of showing their work at the art show are normally seniors who have done some incredible work,” Mr. Stodalak said. “The work they have shown us is work we would want the public to see, and I believe the work we are showing at this auction is some of the best.”

This year’s VAPA auction has come and gone, but the impact it has made on the department will be necessary for the rest of the year. Since digital and visual students do not sell tickets to performances or ads in a magazine, the auction is their largest, and for the most part, their only fundraiser all school year. The funds gathered all very well appreciated and is what keeps Building 9 attracting some of the most talented students in the district.

“We raise a good amount of money each year with this auction, but it all goes to great use,” Mr. Stodalak said.  “The department goes through a lot of supplies, so all the money we get from the community goes to making sure our students have all they need to create their art.”