Art with a Purpose: CATCH Auction Continues to Strengthen Healthcare in Margaretville

November Morning by Karen Meyer donated by the Macklin family.

MARGARETVILLE — The annual CATCH art auction continues to stand as one of the most meaningful intersections of culture and civic responsibility in the Catskills. What began years ago as a creative fundraising effort has matured into a defining community tradition, one that demonstrates how art can play a direct role in sustaining essential healthcare in a rural region where resources are often stretched thin.  

A greatly anticipated yearly event for the local community wishing to take part in the great progress being made by the Margaretville Hospital is soon upon us. The preview of the annual CATCH art auction this past weekend at the Galli Curci Theater filled with many returning artists and several exciting new artists for this year’s event. The chilly and wet weather on Saturday dampened attendance a bit earlier in the day, but as folks began showing up for the Longyear Gallery opening reception, traffic picked up.

The previous two years the CATCH art auction focused on raising funds for a much needed heliport at the hospital. With the assistance of county commissioner Glen Faulkner and Representative Josh Riley, the heliport funding had been realized with the money raised by the previous art auctions. What once seemed like an ambitious goal has now become a visible symbol of progress. Construction activity at the hospital site confirms that the project is no longer an idea but a working reality that will dramatically improve emergency response capability in Delaware County.  

This year the emphasis has shifted toward strengthening primary care services, a priority that speaks directly to the everyday health needs of residents. According to organizers Emily Adams and Beth Eckels, both of whom serve on the hospital board, the next phase of development involves renovating the building that houses the primary care practice. New medical equipment, updated computer systems, and improved facilities are essential components of maintaining modern standards of care in a rural setting.

Adams explained that the success of the heliport project demonstrated what community engagement can accomplish. What appeared to be a straightforward addition turned out to involve complex planning and significant financial investment. Yet the determination of volunteers, donors, and artists carried the effort forward. The same spirit now fuels the campaign to enhance primary care services, ensuring that residents have reliable access to physicians and up to date medical technology close to home. 

The strength of the CATCH auction lies not only in its mission but also in the remarkable generosity of the regional arts community. Artists continue to contribute work of impressive quality, often donating pieces that reflect decades of dedication to their craft. The enthusiasm of artists continues to attract amazing works of art from the best of the area art community. 

To mention a few, the Macklin family donated a stunning ink and watercolor titled November Morning by artist Karen Meyer from 1991, a piece that hung in the Macklin home for years. The starting bid is shockingly low, but the ever enthusiastic and entertaining auctioneer David Rama will assuredly fetch a fair price for this gem. The painting carries a quiet seasonal mood, capturing the light and contemplative atmosphere of late autumn in the Catskills with astonishing detail.

Artist Mary McFerran’s collage on paper, Three Birds from 2022, is lively with refreshing bright summer-like colors that will certainly draw the attention of attendees. The work balances playful composition with careful craftsmanship, offering a welcome contrast to the more subdued tonal works in the exhibition. Gary Mayer’s rooster is another standout contribution, showcasing his confident composition and unmistakable personality. The bold character of the subject seems to embody the resilience and determination of the community itself. 

One of the most fascinating additions to this year’s auction comes from local sculptor Ken Hiratsuka, widely known for his distinctive carving technique that follows a single continuous line through stone. His contribution reflects the meditative discipline that has defined his career. The flowing line invites viewers to trace its path, encouraging a slow and deliberate engagement with the work. 

Equally compelling is the large mixed media wood piece depicting the Williamsburg Bridge by artist Alfredo Santos. Generously donated by David Mann, the work presents a layered and textured urban scene assembled from painted wood elements. The piece reveals new details with each viewing, from architectural forms to subtle color variations. Its scale and visual depth make it both a sculptural statement and a narrative image that captures the rhythm of city life.

Organizers noted that many contributors return year after year, forming a dependable circle of support that continues to expand. Names such as Robin Factor, Bay Ortiz, Patrice Lorenz, Christie Sheele, and Gary Mayer represent a core group of artists whose loyalty to the cause has helped sustain the auction’s success. At the same time, new participants join annually, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the event.

Another touching aspect of the auction involves families who donate artwork created by relatives who have passed away. These contributions carry emotional weight, transforming personal memories into public acts of generosity. In many cases, paintings that once hung in private homes now serve a broader purpose, helping fund medical services that benefit the entire community.

The CATCH art auction remains a vivid reminder that healthcare in rural America depends not only on medical professionals and administrators but also on the commitment of neighbors, artists, and volunteers. Each bid placed during the auction represents more than a transaction. It represents trust in the future of local healthcare and recognition of the hospital’s role as a lifeline for residents across the region. 

As anticipation builds for the main auction event, the preview exhibition offers a glimpse into the collective effort that makes this initiative possible. The atmosphere inside the theater reflected both pride and determination. Conversations move easily between discussions of brushwork and discussions of patient care, reinforcing the idea that art and health are deeply connected within this community.

In the end, the success of the CATCH auction is measured not only in dollars raised but also in the sense of shared responsibility it inspires. It stands as a powerful example of how creativity can support practical needs and how a small rural community can rally together to secure essential services for generations to come.  

Spitfires Over Enzio by Francis McGinley