If you've ever wanted a piece of Otti Twardowski's pottery or photography, now is your chance.
The late artist's work is being put on the auction block Nov. 10 and 11 at the Senator Hotel.
Twardowksi was the longtime co-owner of Anderson Studio in Timmins, a professional photographer, and had a passion for pottery.
In July 2016, she died at the age of 82. Her wish was to share her art with the community one last time with an auction.
For months, organizers have been cataloguing Twardowski’s work.
Chantal Yu said there are hundreds of photographs and more than 400 pieces of pottery.
“Whether people knew Otti or not, they’re going to get something out of this,” she said. “Her pottery, the majority of it is functional.”
The photographs capture Twardowski’s love of nature and travel, and Yu said they are mostly landscapes and wildlife.
With pottery, she was known for handpainting and carving her work.
“Her blueberry pattern is something people talk a lot about,” Yu said.
The two-day auction is the last chance for people to get a keepsake from Twardowski's collection.
It’s being put on by the Kinette Club of Timmins in partnership with Yu Law Office.
Proceeds from the auction will go towards Helmut, Twardowski’s spouse of 58 years, and the Kinette Club.
“I’ve always been so fond of Otti as a local artist – she had a profound impact on the arts community in Timmins. The opportunity for the Kinette Club of Timmins to help organize and to receive a portion of the proceeds from this event, is extremely special and meaningful. The funds will support our club to continue its service in our community,” said Erin Thomson, who is a member of the Kinette Club and a potter.
Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the photography will be on the auction block. Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., Twardowski’s pottery will be for sale.
With so many items to go, there will be a live and silent auction. The pottery that is chipped and nicked will be available for set prices at a table for people to purchase.
For people who haven’t been to an auction before, it can be intimidating, but Yu doesn’t believe there is reason to be.
“We have flashy yellow paddles, there will be no question that you are bidding,” she explained.
With so many pieces to go, she said there are opportunities for bargains as well.
Tickets for the auction are $15 per person, per day. There will be refreshments and finger foods served, and a door prize drawn on both days.
Tickets are available at Black Spruce Gallery and Framing, 42 Pine St. S., Timmins., and at the door.
Some of the pieces that will be up for auction can be viewed on the Facebook event page.
