Jersey Calf by Shawn Faust
Unionville High School Art Gala celebrates its 47th year. The annual art show and sale, to be held November 17 and 18 at Unionville High School, showcases local working artists, Unionville High School (UHS) Alumni, and current UHS student artists. In addition to beautiful artwork, there is live music to entertain and delicious desserts to enjoy. Funds raised will benefit the UHS PTO, contributing to Educational Enrichment Projects to enhance the overall educational experience for all UHS students, and will also help make local community outreach efforts possible.
The Unionville High School Art Gala strives to include a variety of artists – both new and more established individuals. Approximately 60 participating artists express their talents though diverse mediums including oil and watercolor paintings, photography, glass, metal, pastels, mixed media, jewelry, ceramics, mosaics, and wood.
We are proud to announce that our featured artist this year is Shawn Faust. Known as one of the premier equine artists in America, Shawn paints stunningly realistic images of horses, cows, foxes and other animals that call Chester County home. Shawn affectionately gives the animals that he paints names to fit their personalities. “Snug” the fox warms our hearts as he is curled up, showing a posture of contentment. “Ginger” the cow is a beautiful white bovine with ginger-colored fur on her ears. “My subject matter is simply a conduit for my empathy,” Shawn says. Simply put, there’s an immediate connection that takes place when you stop and admire his work.
Faust’s artistic accomplishments have taken him around the globe, with participation in the esteemed 2019 Beijing International Art Biennale in China leaving an indelible mark on his career. His awe-inspiring works have also graced the walls of renowned galleries and museums across the United States, including the Wildlife Experience Museum in Parker, CO, the Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, DE, the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, DE, Sage Creek Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, and the Spa Fine Art Gallery in Saratoga Springs, NY.
The Art Gala also includes a Student Art section which highlights the impressive artistic talents nurtured by the outstanding UHS Art Department. In addition to approximately 175 student artists, students who demonstrate particularly refined and distinct talents are selected as Featured Student Artists each year.
This year’s Featured Student Artists will be announced at the end of October.
Additionally, a Silent Auction will be offered to the public, featuring beautiful artwork donated by the talented artists in the show as well as select regional activities and outings. Bids will be accepted throughout the Gala weekend starting at 12 noon on Friday, November 17, and ending at 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 19.
While auction items will be on display for viewing in-person at the Gala, all bidding for the Silent Auction will be online at https://www.32auctions.com/unionvilleartgala2023; bidders need not be present to bid.
Donations to the silent auction along with business sponsorships are key components to the success of the Gala. Please see our website at https://www.unionvilleartgala.com for details on how to donate a silent auction item and/or to become a sponsor.
Friday evening includes live music from UHS students and local musicians, with assorted desserts and beverages offered for sale. Thirty percent of proceeds from art sales and 100% of proceeds from the silent auction benefit the UHS PTO. Admission is free.
The 2023 Unionville High School Art Gala begins Friday, November 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. and continues on Saturday, November 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Unionville High School Auditorium Entrance, 750 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. For more details and information, please visit the Art Gala website at www.unionvilleartgala.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. This fun and lively event is not to be missed!
