KSTK brings artistic flair to fundraising with auction

One of the challenges of being a nonprofit is continually seeking funds to continue operating, something radio station KSTK is well acquainted with.

But instead of just shaking a bucket and hoping people will pitch in, staff at KSTK tries to put the fun in fundraising, such as their annual art auction.

For the past four years, the radio station has auctioned donated art created by Alaskans. The goal for this year is to raise $5,000 at the March 24 event. The auction in 2022 had a $5,000 goal, which was met and exceeded, said station manager Cindy Sweat.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Nolan Center and admission is $25 per ticket. The doors will be open before the start time to give art appreciators a chance to peruse and pick what they're going to bid on.

Anna Tollfeldt, KSTK's development director, said she had about 25 pieces last week, but is seeking more. "The more the merrier," she said means "more options and interesting items to look at and bid on."

Any medium will be accepted, from photography and painting, sculptures and crafts. "I have a Japanese glass fishing float that has designs I think the artist painted on or etched in," Tollfeldt said.

Along with the glass float, there is a painting by Ketchikan-based artist Terry Pyles of a black wolf named Romeo and pen-and-ink line art from Native artist Nick Alan who is from Alaska but now lives in Seattle.

The art auction is one of many events the radio station holds to raise money. Along with its regular pledge drives, KSTK hosts an annual Halloween party, the Fourth of July wiener toss and a summer solstice dance, formerly called the adult prom. There's even the possibility of holding a chili cookoff.

For now, the focus is on the art auction and emphasizing the pieces created by Alaskans.

"It's interesting to see all the talent that's out there," Tollfeldt said. "There's a lot of local (Wrangell) stuff, but then there's a lot of art that comes from other communities in Southeast and just Alaska as a whole."

Along with a feast for the eyes, the art auction will feature food catered by Sweet Tides Bakery and beverages. The $5 ticket can either go toward an alcoholic beverage or one of three door prize raffles.

There's also a chance to win any piece of art for just one ticket.

For $50, a separate raffle will allow the winner to pick any piece of art they want before the auction begins.

Artists who want to donate work to the auction can email Tollfeldt at anna@kstk.org or call or stop by the station 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. People who want to purchase a ticket can call the station at 907-874-2345.