More than $35,000 was raised to benefit the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT) at its first-ever Art of the Estuary Celebration & Auction on Aug. 20. Donations from eight local artists depicting landscapes including scenes from Merrymeeting Bay, Thorne Head, Bonyun Preserve and Days Ferry to name just four, were sold to benefit KELT’s land, stewardship and education programs.

“Everything about the event exceeded expectations: we had a beautiful Maine summer night with Kennebec River views, delicious food and drink, generous artists, sponsors, hosts and guests,” Executive Director Carrie Kinne said. “To think that we could raise $35,187 in one night to help maintain our nine preserves and to provide funds for our education programs is a testament to the love people have for the natural world that surrounds us. We are grateful.”

Kinne gave special thanks to hosts Jack and Susan Parker and auctioneer Mike Fear, proprietor of Now You’re Cooking. “The Parkers made us all feel right at home and Mike was entertaining and informative, explaining how an additional $100 would fund an Officer Salty class for Fourth Graders or how $1,000 or more could pay for water quality programs.”

Artists included Peter Cook, Evelyn Dunphy, John F. Folinsbee, Jack Gable, Claudette Gamache, Maret Hensick, Keith Oehmig and Stuart Ross.

Event business sponsors and supporters included: Associated Appraisers of Maine, Bisson Real Estate, Frohmiller Construction, Jorgensen Landscaping, Just Framing, Amy Kerr Design, Henry & Marty, Mae’s Café & Bakery, Maine Home + Design, Now You’re Cooking, Sharon Drake Reality, Solo Bistro, Weiss and Burch, and Woodex.

Sets of notecards depicting the eight paintings are available for sale for $15 in KELT’s 92 Front Street office in Bath.

For more information, visit www.kennebecestuary.org.