Newton Community Pride To Auction Off Public Art Benches

NEWTON, MA — Newton Community Pride (NCP) is launching an online public art auction of its “Sit and Let Your Spirit Soar” art installation on Friday, Sept. 16.

These 17 decorated benches, donated by Newtonville’s Boston Chinese Evangelical Church and painted by local and regional artists, have brought months of joy, creativity and excitement to Newton’s public spaces, NCP said.

Bidding opens Friday and will run through 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. All auction
proceeds will support future public art initiatives in Newton.

The one-of-a kind hand painted benches are being sold as is and it is recommended to view
them in person on location throughout the city. Images, locations and bidding on your favorite
“Sit & Let Your Spirit Soar” benches can be found here. All winning bids will include NCP moving the bench to a Newton yard or ground floor location of a Newton home or business.

"Newton Community Pride is thrilled to offer these creatively painted benches to the public for
future use," Blair Lesser Sullivan, ExecutiveDirector of Newton Community Pride, said in a statement. The lucky auction winners take home a beautiful and functional piece of art while
also supporting NCP’s future public art programs. It’s a win-win for all!”

"For the last few months these gorgeous pews have added color and beauty to our community
and have lifted people’s spirits, Meryl Kessler, NCP BoardMember and Chair of NCP’s Public Art Committee, said in a statement. "Now we are delighted to auction them off so that they can
continue to spread joy in homes and yards around Newton.”

To bid on a bench or to make a donation for more public art go to www.newtoncommunitypride.org.