Movies and books portray silent auctions as  ever-so-exclusive events, with people auctioning off luxuries such as Impressionist paintings, cruise ships, vacation homes, or even a lock of a favorite celebrity’s hair. While the above sounds quite grandiose, this year’s Niles North Empty Walls Art silent auction offers far more: fabulous art pieces with every cent earned going to charity.

As many already know, this year’s Dance Marathon is raising money for Special Gifts Theater (SGT).  SGT is an organization that helps children and teens with special needs (cognitive, physical, emotional, learning) reach their full potential through the theater experience, gaining confidence, creativity, social skills and friends along the way. While Dance Marathon has been fundraising in a variety of different ways, the Empty Walls silent art auction, which happens every other year, is one of the most interesting efforts.

With National Art Honor Society’s help, this auction will be a promising one with artists from both Niles North and the community auctioning off paintings, sculptures, clothing, jewelry and collector’s plush toys. While there will be no official starting price for the art pieces, the starting prices will be based off of the quality of the piece.

Senior Kyle Rosenberg, president of National Art Honor  Society, plans to auction off some charcoal pieces along with several paintings. To Rosenberg, this event brings more than just money to a charity. “I think the artists get a sense of helping by spreading the love of art through the community. It’s taking their talents to the next level by putting them to good use to help Special Gifts Theater. The community and bidders also get something out of it, supporting the fine arts in our school through their participation in this event,” Rosenberg said.

According to art instructor and sponsor Lori Real, Empty Walls is  a true community event.  “National Art Honor Society Members, Dance Marathon, Fine Art Parents, Niles North Staff  and  W.H.O. club are working together as volunteers to make this event a smashing success,” she said.

The Empty Walls silent art auction will occur Saturday,  Mar. 3, beginning at 4:3o p.m. in the Codell Commons. Artists will be working on site from the early morning. Those attending the event will not only help a great charity, but have the opportunity to take home a few amazing and original art pieces made by creative members of the community.