Milton Garden Club’s town clock painting bids open Sept. 1

The Milton Garden Club will conduct a silent auction for an original painting from Wednesday, Sept. 1 to Sunday, Sept. 19. 

Local artist and club member Jean Bowers donated “Time and Place,” a  20-by-16-inch painting of the Milton town clock in its downtown garden.

Bowers has been painting the Eastern Shore of the Delmarva Peninsula for 10 years. Her preferred medium is oil. She is an award-winning member of the Rehoboth Art League, Cape Artists of Lewes and Delaware by Hand. Bowers has resided in Milton for about 12 yeas and loves the area.

Even though Bowers had multiple people interested in purchasing the painting, she decided to donate it to the garden club because she knew the clock has a special meaning to many club members. In 2015, after the original town clock stopped working and could not be repaired, the Milton Garden Club raised over $20,000 to purchase a new one.

Longtime member Elaine Carbone organized a mail-in campaign for donations by sending letters to local businesses, organizations and citizens. A fundraising event was held downtown with a silent auction, bake sale, and wine and beer tasting, a variety of donated items and musical entertainment. Irish Eyes allowed the use of its side room for the auction. Total funds raised from the two efforts came to more than $20,000.

"The generosity of Milton's citizens, organizations and visitors enabled the garden club to raise over $20,000 for the purchase of the 19th century-style replica clock to add to the charm of Milton," said Carbone.

After the clock was installed, the club held a reception with speakers, entertainment and food.

Weather permitting, the painting will be on display at Irish Eyes during Tour 684 Friday, Sept. 3; in the park Saturday, Sept. 4, during the Broadkill Music Festival; at the Broadkill Farmers Market Friday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 17; and at the ticket booth during the Milton Garden Tour Sunday, Sept.19.

Bidding will end at 3 p.m., Sept. 19.

To place a telephone bid, call Kathryn at 302-684-3804.