Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool is hosting its second annual auction of community art benches, painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses, to raise scholarship funds for families seeking high quality, early childhood education. Benches are on display in downtown Camden, and bids can be placed online (bit.ly/artbench2024) through September 15.

“Even with state subsidies, a record number of families now need financial aid to access childcare, and Peopleplace depends on the generosity of the community in helping to meet that need,” said Peopleplace, in a news release. “For more than 40 years, Peopleplace has offered an exceptional preschool experience for children ages 18 months to five years that is play-based, nature-focused, and inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. As a cooperative, Peopleplace engages families as partners in their children’s educational experience, many of whom have contributed their time and talents to the Community Art Bench Fundraiser.”

This year’s auction features seven benches turned into one-of-kind works of art by local artists. Each was sponsored by a local business or organization to ensure that all proceeds will directly benefit Peopleplace and its scholarship fund. Hammond Lumber also generously discounted the cost of each bench purchased for the project. The initiative is led by parents on the Peopleplace Fundraising Committee and Board of Directors, who are grateful to the town of Camden for approving benches to be placed downtown.

Locations can be viewed on the auction website (bit.ly/artbench2024). The line-up of benches are:
● “Spring Anemones” by Ingrid Ellison, sponsored and hosted by Small Wonder Gallery & Frameshop
● “CHAFKY-2” by Noah Stitt, sponsored and hosted by Harbor Dogs
● “Sunflowers and Moonflowers” by the Camden Hills Regional High School Art Club, sponsored by the Peopleplace Fundraising Committee and located at the public landing
● “Garden Bench” by Nina Devenney, sponsored by Zoot and located on the village green
● “Painted Wood Bench” by Rebecca Leclerc, sponsored by Steel-Pro Inc and located at the public landing

● “Camden In-Spire” by Don Sheldon, sponsored by the Domareki Family and located at The Wharf at Lyman-Morse
● “Child’s Play” by Peopleplace students, sponsored by Camden Real Estate Company and located on the village green

“The Community Art Bench project is not simply a key fundraiser for our school, helping us to meet a critical childcare need in the community. It’s also a celebration of art and community spirit,” says Sessa Salas, executive director of Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool. “These same values are so key to Peopleplace and why so many families benefit from our school.”

Those who wish to bid on a bench can do so through the online auction website at bit.ly/artbench2024. The platform enables bidders to place a maximum bid, and will automatically place bids on their behalf up to that amount should they be out-bid. The benches can also be purchased immediately through a “Buy It Now” option. Supporters can also make direct donations to the school through the site. The auction ends September 15, 2024, at 6 p.m. Benches must be picked up by the end of September unless otherwise arranged. In some cases, local delivery may be provided. Shipping may also be arranged, with the winning bidder responsible for all associated costs.

Peopleplace serves up to 47 students, drawn from more than 14 surrounding towns. This year, 38% of students require financial aid in order to attend Peopleplace, even with 72% of those families qualifying for subsidies from Maine’s new Child Care Affordability Program, which does not cover the full cost of care at Peopleplace. Salas (executive director of Peopleplace), was recognized this year for her leadership in advocating for more affordable childcare options across the state. (See “Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool celebrates Executive Director Sessa Salas,” March 2024)

“We are committed to doing our part to address the childcare crisis in our area, and we are grateful to the community for their support,” said Cricket Fuller, chair of the Peopleplace Board of Directors.

In addition to the Community Art Bench Fundraiser, people can support Peopleplace and its scholarship fund by purchasing a brick through its ongoing Brick Fundraiser. Bricks are $150 and can be engraved with names and messages up to 84 characters. Those interested can contact Peopleplace fundraising chair Kristen Wolf (fun@peopleplacecoop.org) or place an order online at bit.ly/Bricks4Peopleplace to reserve a place on the front steps of Peopleplace and pave the way for the future.

“A Peopleplace experience touches so many lives,” said Wolf. “Research shows that high-quality early childhood education is key to a child’s future well-being. Fundraisers like these are critical to keeping Peopleplace accessible to a range of families – and benefitting our whole community in turn.”