The Chautauqua Blind Association will hold its annual art auction Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Multi Media Studio at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with the art preview, live music, food and cash bar. The live art auction starts at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

This event offers guests the unique experience of bidding on artwork created by local artisans. There will also be artwork inspired by the visual, tactile and auditory senses of artists living with visual impairments. The artwork up for auction typically ranges from wood furniture, wood carvings, pottery, jewelry and accessories to paintings and one-of-a-kind contemporary pieces.

The Chautauqua Blind Association is looking for artists interested in donating artwork for the event. Artwork may be delivered to the association or a pick up can be scheduled by calling 664-6660. Supporting this event offers artists a great opportunity to showcase their talents through supporting the visually impaired clients that CBA serves.

All event proceeds will support the Youth Vision Screening Program. In 2018, the Chautauqua Blind Association provided vision screenings to 3,163 children under the age of 6. Over 450 of these children were determined to have undiagnosed vision problems. These children were referred to area eye care professionals for further evaluation and treatment.

The Chautauqua Blind Association’s goal is to provide this program free of charge to area children. The funds raised during the art auction make sure that every child in Chautauqua County has access to this service.

Tickets to the event are just $25 and are available at the door, by calling CBA at 664-6660 or by visiting our website at chautauquablind.org.

A tax-deductible donation can be made on the association’s website or by sending a check to Chautauqua Blind Association at 510 W. Fifth St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

In 2020, the Chautauqua Blind Association will celebrate 100 years of providing Vision Rehabilitation Services and Orientation and Mobility instruction to blind and legally blind residents of Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. CBA has also been providing Vision Screening in our community for over 40 years.