The inaugural Art in the Heart of the City auction and fundraiser will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Santa Maria on Saturday, Sept. 16, starting at 2 p.m. The auction will feature artworks by acclaimed artist Nat Fast (1924-2013).
The artist’s surviving children have curated a collection of pieces by Fast to be included in the auction. Attendees of the event can view the artworks between 2 and 2:30 p.m. in the church’s Parke Parish Hall. Bidding begins at 2:30 p.m. and will run through 4 p.m.
Fast (pictured) was a prolific artist and scholar who led art departments at both Santa Maria High School and Righetti High School as well as Alan Hancock College during his career.
He was also one of the founding members of the Santa Maria Arts Council and was involved with the Pacific Conservatory Theatre (PCPA) during the company’s start in the 1960s. The late artist helped design sets and drew or painted posters for shows, which he occasionally acted in as well, according to previous Sun reporting.
In addition to Fast’s pieces, the upcoming fundraiser will include artworks by other Central Coast-based artists as well, including Marilyn Hoback, a former student of Fast’s. Tile and glass murals by Jan Manriquez and vineyard landscapes by photographer Kirk Irwin will be among the featured works in the auction as well.
Admission to the Sept. 16 fundraiser, which also features light appetizers and a no-host bar, is $50. Proceeds from the auction will benefit St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, located at 201 S. Lincoln St., Santa Maria.
Funds collected will support the church’s ongoing programming, including its partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to distribute food to more than 200 families a week. Visit stpeterssm.org for more details.
