Wednesday, June 16, 2004

Fund-raiser showcases collector’s items

Snake River Alliance celebrates 25 years

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By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

A fund-raiser for the Snake River Alliance is being held, Tuesday, June 22, at the Gail Severn Gallery in Ketchum to celebrate the Alliance’s 25 years of working to protect Idaho’s people and environment from nuclear contamination.

The fund-raiser, with wine and hors d’oeuvres by K. C. Haynes, also will feature music by Art Wallace on contemporary Spanish guitar.

Steve Miller strums one of his guitars that will be available to bid on during the Snake River Alliance Fundraiser Photo by Dave Niedrich

The Snake River Alliance is an Idaho-based community group working through research, education, and community advocacy for peace and justice, the end to nuclear weapons production activities, and responsible solutions to nuclear waste and contamination, explained SRA Development Director Margaret Macdonald Stewart, of Ketchum.

"This anniversary is very, very special," she said. "We’re trying to spread the word about the critical decisions now being made in Washington, which may determine the future of Idaho and nuclear waste."

For instance, "We do not under most circumstances advocate the transportation across state lines of nuclear waste. All nuclear activists believe in the musical chairs idea. When the music stops that’s where it stays."

Speaking of music, a silent auction at the fund-raiser promises unique items and packages for sale. Musician and Wood River Valley resident Steve Miller, of the Steve Miller Band, is donating several guitars for youth and adults, including a Martin guitar that was the first of a limited run of 68 guitars built to special specifications requested by Martin guitar designer Dick Boak and Miller. This collector’s item is featured in "Martin Guitar Masterpieces," the seminal book on guitars custom built for artists.

Made entirely from Koa wood and signed by Miller and Chris Martin III, it’s the most valuable guitar of the entire collection. Its serial number is 1.

Other auction items are paintings by valley artist Ginna Lagergren; a private concert by vocalist Amy Clifford; a pet pampering package; a body and soul package; several Native American sculptures, and two 16th century brass elk heads that were donated from a dealer in England.

There will be raffle tickets for sale for two trips, including a week at a private home in Mexico for eight people and a stay at a cabin on Desolation Sound in British Columbia. Guests may also purchase tickets for the Sunday, Aug. 29, Steve Miller concert in Hailey to further benefit the Snake River Alliance.

Fittingly, since the mission of the Alliance is protection of Idaho’s natural heritage, the gallery is featuring an elegant exhibit of landscapes, flowers and botanicals by such artists as valley residents Sheila Gardner and David deVillier, as well as work by George Harkins, Alison Stewart and Christopher Reilly. There also will be a room of Morgan Brig works and another with Rana Rochat’s bright encaustics.

The fund-raiser is from 6 until 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Snake River Alliance’s Nuclear Watchdog educational work.

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