The Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum announces their Second Annual Woodson Warrior Scholarship Auction to be held virtually on March 14, 2021 at 5PM. Featuring five major works by renowned St. Petersburg artists Mark Aeling, Jane Bunker, Steven Kenny, Duncan McClellan, and Brenda McMahon, the auction will award college scholarships to deserving African American students from St. Petersburg. More information is available at woodsonscholarships.com or by contacting Jane Bunker at janewbunker@gmail.com or 505-577-8018.
In addition to the five major works to be auctioned by well-known auctioneer Jason Alpert, there will be a Silent Auction featuring 19 more paintings by Jane Bunker. The March 14th “broadcast” will also feature entertainment by Alex Harris and other local favorites.
The scholarship fund was founded in 2019 by artist Jane Bunker who had a desire to unite her love of painting with her desire to be of service to the African American community. She contributed twenty major canvases which were auctioned off so successfully that the scholarship program was able to award over $40,000 in its first year and $43,000 last year, in spite of the canceled auction. Since that time the fund has continued to grow and prosper. Thanks to the generous contributions from private donors, The Milkey Family Foundation, Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation and other businesses and organizations, this year’s awards will total more than $125,000. Seventeen young students have thus far received awards of up to $5000 a year. Recipients are eligible to reapply for continued support every year they remain in school. Many of these amazing young people have written testimonials about their college experiences and how much receiving scholarship funds has meant to them which can be viewed at www.facebook.com/woodsonwarriorscholars.
The Woodson Warrior Scholarships Fund is grateful for additional generous donations and support from organizations including Fairgrounds, American Stage, FreeFall Theater, Galleria Misto, the duPont Registry Tampa Bay, the Florida Orchestra, the Vinoy Renaissance Resort, Two Graces Restaurant, and numerous private donors.
All of the artwork for both the live and the silent auctions can be viewed by appointment weekdays at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum March 2- 12 from 1-5 by contacting Jane Bunker at janewbunker@gmail.com or 505-577-8018.
Registration for the auction and watching the live virtual program is free. https://qtego.net/qlink/woodsonwarriors#silent-auction. A virtual catalogue of all work to be auctioned in both the live and silent auctions will be available by Jan 19,20121 on the registration site: https://qtego.net/qlink/woodsonwarriors
Bidding for the silent auction begins on March 2 and closes on March 14th, when the live auction begins.