Keuka Palettes project raises $10,000
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER- ADVOCATE

FILE PHOTO Pictured above, an example of Hammondsport's Keuka Palettes project, which raised more than $10,000 for the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce and local artists.

HAMMONDSPORT - A fundraising campaign using local artists and giant painted palettes raised more than $10,000 recently for the artists and the Hammondsport Chamber of Commerce.

The Keuka Palettes project resulted in 36 individually painted wooden palettes dist ributed between Hammondsport, Branchport and Penn Yan. Summer visitors to Keuka Lake could circle the lake, recording a secret letter on each palette. At the conclusion of the tour, the letters enabled each visitor to complete a puzzle, which then went into a drawing.

One winner collected a $100 gift certificate; six others won $25 certificates.

On Sept. 8, all 36 palettes were auctioned off to the highest bidders on the village square, with Hammondsport artist Vickie Lee Dykins' palette fetching the high price of $1,525. The palette depicted the Great Western Winery and had been sponsored by Pleasant Valley Wine Company.

According to local artist Brett Steeves, who helped organize the project, proceeds from the auction will be split 50-50 between the Hammondsport Chamber and the artists who participated in the program. The Chamber will use its share to fund future community art projects, he added.

"We were hopeful for a pleasant outcome," Steeves said. "It exceeded our expectations, and we're very excited to do this