After a successful inaugural launch in 2025, the Cabin Fever Silent Art Auction will return to the Fort Kent Public Library with a special collection of locally selected art pieces.
The art, which includes paintings, photographs, quilts and other mediums, will be on
display at the library through Feb. 13, with the silent auction occurring that Friday evening at 5 p.m.
Library Director Andrew Birden said, “Local artists are bringing in their latest work so the community can see what their friends and families have been creating. Other patrons of the FKPL are bringing in locally-connected art from their own collections. The silent auction itself is only two hours, but the creativity of our community is on display at 1 Monument Square for the next several weeks. People should come by and have a look.”
The February event happens the night before Valentine’s Day. Organizers are promising romantic desserts and an elegant experience for couples looking for a special night. Friends Chair Dana Appleby said, “An ideal evening might commence with an elegant reception at the art auction, continuing with a visit to one of Fort Kent’s most celebrated eateries.”
Les Amis de la Bibliothèque Publique de Fort Kent/The Friends of the Fort Kent Public Library is organizing the annual event. Les Amis treasurer Mona Bouchard said her favorite memory from last year’s event “…was when the communities’ combined effort and participation of local artists and patrons far surpassed our expectations, and also realizing the support in contributing to one of our most valuable resources, the Fort Kent Public Library, is alive and well in our area.”
Appleby said, “The spirited bidding for last year’s art auction pieces created an engaging and memorable atmosphere.” This year’s event should be even better. She added, “The St. John Valley has so much talent, and the Fort Kent Public Library is such a beautiful landmark that this event is perfect to showcase both.”
The auction was originally scheduled for Feb. 6, but Les Amis de la Bibliothèque Publique de Fort Kent/The Friends of the Fort Kent Public Library realized a few weeks ago that the Greater Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce had scheduled its annual dinner that same evening.
“We thought it best to move the auction date to a week later,” said Birden. “In October, we started reaching out to the local artists and collectors with a connection to our community. They have donated their time and talent to help the library. The first art auction worked out so well, we knew the Cabin Fever Art Auction had to become an annual event.”
All proceeds from the auction will go to fund the library’s operation.
Les Amis Vice Chair Sara Best said, “Contributions to the public library play a crucial role in our community, and we are grateful for your generosity.”
Library usage has been growing for the past three years, said Birden. The strain on the resources to meet the challenge of higher costs and the conclusion to grant monies the library has relied upon has prompted innovation in fundraising.
“We reached out to many artists and collectors, but If there are creators in the Valley that we missed or art collectors who would like to donate a piece from their personal gallery, we would love to talk with you,” he said.
The art is available for viewing during regular library hours.
To learn more and to participate in the auctions, visit the library, call 207-834-3048, or contact Appleby at danam.appleby@gmail.com.
