Editor’s note: This is one in a series of individual profiles of participants in this year’s “Bad Art by Good People” fundraiser.
The polls are now open for the 11th annual Bad Art by Good People fundraiser, presented by the Champaign County Arts Council.
The tongue-in-cheek competition features non-artist celebrities creating works of art and campaigning for the public’s votes for their artwork.
Today’s featured artist is Connie Eichenauer, a retired teacher from Springfield City Schools and currently owner and winemaker at Dragonfly Vineyard and Winery.
Her education includes a BS in education and an administrative license.
Her affiliations include Ohio Wine Producers, Ohio State Viticulture, Champaign County Chamber, Urbana First Presbyterian Church and Farm Bureau.
Her special skills and interests are viticulture, wine tasting and winemaking. “I love my vineyard!” she said.
“I so enjoy all the people who come into the winery. Since opening the winery, I have heard so many different beliefs, ideas and opinions. The best part of the business is sitting a few minutes with customers, sipping some wine, and listening to stories – stories of experiences we all have in common. Despite the differences that seem to contradict on the surface and can sometimes get in the way of relationships, the blending of all our beliefs makes us a better, kinder community. As Kent and I have found, that although we enjoy a glass of wine from a single varietal like Cabernet Franc or Merlot, the blending of different grape varietals can produce a really more enjoyable wine too. And with these different varieties of our personalities, and with kindness, we can treasure relationships … and wine helps. So, I often say, ‘Drink wine and love people.’”
The public can vote for their favorite artwork using PayPal on the Arts Council’s website, www.champaigncountyartscouncil.org. Votes can also be cast with cash, check or credit card at the Arts Council, 119 Miami St., Urbana.
The office is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Watch the Urbana Daily Citizen during the weeks leading up to the May 6 dinner for profiles on each artist and photos of the artists with their creations.
A limited number of tickets are available for the dinner and auction, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at the VFW Hall, 220 E. Court St. Tickets are $25 each and include a catered dinner and dessert.
The “Bad Art” will be auctioned after the dinner, and all proceeds will benefit the Arts Council.
Tickets are for sale at the Arts Council’s office and online at the Arts Council’s website.
