Auction of wildlife photography benefits Watershed Coalition

There will be a silent auction of wildlife photography by Tom Gootz at the Art Center gallery on Friday evening, December 3 from 5 -7 p.m. Tom, who recently passed away, was a Ph.D. microbiologist, a naturalist and an accomplished photographer. Tom was an advocate for the protection of wildlife and their habitat in the Estes Valley, and all proceeds from the sale of his photography will go towards an update of the Estes Valley Wildlife Plan.

This event will be in addition to the normal First Friday Open House held at The Art Center of Estes Park.  Light snacks and beverages will be offered to visitors and auction participants. The current artists work showing at the gallery will be on display and available for purchase. This will be a great opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas presents, while supporting a good cause.

Tom’s photos are signed and professionally matted and framed, and there are approximately 50 photos varying in size from 11x 14 to 24 x 32. The photos are color wildlife or landscape scenes. There is one Ansel Adams authorized print from the original negative and a couple of very nice, black and white Ansel Adams-like photos that Tom took. His collection also includes a few small original oil paintings.

This event is being sponsored by the Wandering Wildlife Society of the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition.  The Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to the stewardship of the Estes Valley’s Waters, Forests, and Wildlife. The updated Estes Valley Wildlife plan will be used in support of the updated Comprehensive Plan in order to identify and protect critical wildlife habitat.

Join us on December 3rd, First Friday, at The Art Center of Estes Park, 517 Big Thompson Avenue, in lower Stanley Village, from 5-7pm.  The photographs will be on display and silent auction bids will be accepted from 5:00 until 6:30, at which time the bidding will be closed and the winning bidders announced.