Kathy Wilson was driving around Clinton during the City-wide Garage Sale in mid-September when she hit the jackpot. At a garage sale, she found paintings by the late Wayne Williams, an American primitive artist who lived in Deepwater.
She bought two of the paintings, and while talking to the artist’s daughter-in-law, explained that she was looking for art for an auction to benefit senior centers in Henry County. The daughter-in-law brought out a box of Williams’ paintings and donated them on the spot, Kathy said.
Kathy is the county service director for Care Connection for Aging Services, a not-for-profit agency based in Warrensburg. It operates 21 senior centers in 13 counties, including Henry County, which has senior centers in Clinton and Windsor.
In the past, Care Connection has bridged the gap between expenses and costs through its “Gifts of Gold” campaign supported by businesses and individuals, Kathy said. The campaign realized $15,00 each year, she said.
Since the pandemic, however, Care Connection is going towards more “in person” fund-raising, Kathy said. So she came up with the idea of holding an art auction, using art donated by local artists.
“We are trying to do something different, something that hasn’t been done in Clinton,” she explained,”and I know that there is a lot of talent in this town.”
She posted an announcement on the Senior Centers’ facebooks and Chamber of Commerce website to get the word out. So far, the response has been underwhelming.
“I was hoping for upwards to 20,” she said, noting that so far, she’s only got the half-dozen paintings from the garage sale.
She set a deadline of Oct. 1, but is extending it in the hope that more art will come in. Kathy would welcome a variety of mediums — painting, sculpture, wood-carving. The only criteria is that it be “auctionable.” She will pick it up — call 660-885-3482—or it can be taken to the Clinton Senior Center, 970 E. Sedalia, Clinton, MO 64735.
Kathy said she has artist friends in Kansas City, including a Lakota native, who have promised to donate art once she has a date and a venue. She is exploring several leads on a venue where wine can be served, but needs more artwork before she can set a date.
She also knows several seniors whose spouses were artists, and like Wayne Williams’ family, inherited collections that they don’t have space to display. Donating pieces to the Senior Center Art Auction would make a suitable memorial.
The funding will help cover the costs of Care Connection’s Home-Delivered Meals program, which delivers an average of 160 meals a day from the Clinton Center. The Senior Center also serves a hot meal on site to people 60 and older and offers a variety of activities. They used to have art classes, she said, but interest waned.
Wayne William’s daughter-in-law told Kathy that Wayne was a renowned regional painter. Some of his paintings are signed, Kathy said. Wayne and spouse Betty Williams have both passed away, his family said. His paintings include scenes of farm life and rural landscapes.
“We feel very honored that they chose to donate them,” Kathy said.
