The Empty Walls silent art auction of Saturday, March 3, proved to be anything but a silent success. The event raised about $4,000, a record amount. All the proceeds go to Dance Marathon for this year’s beneficiary, Special Gifts Theater.
With an impressive turnout, there were plenty of people circulating around the Codell Commons in the afternoon and evening, socializing and admiring the artists’ hard work. With the handiwork of scores of artists on offer, the bidding process become quite competitive. Bidders made offers ranging from $10 to more than $100 for individual works.

“The event was a big success,” National Art Honor Society sponsor and art teacher Lori Real said.  Real expressed gratitude to all the artist,  student, faculty and parent volunteers who donated their time.  She especially thanked North alumni who returned to “give back” and connect with old friends. “The event was fun, filled with creativity and, of course, the bidders walked away with great art,” Real said.

With such a successful night, the anticipation for the Empty Walls Art that is coming up in two years has already begun. Real and her colleagues Deanna Sortino and Amy Zwikel hope that like this year, the 2014 event will attract just as many artists, professional art donations and Niles North art alumni participants.  The organizing team also hopes that more teachers, staff and community members will attend the next event.