Wintermann Library Annual Dinner, Auction just around the corner Sept. 21

The highlight of the Eagle Lake Eula and David Wintermann Library Annual Dinner and Auction on September 21 will be the live auction with auctioneer Todd Krenek. Todd has that magnetic personality that causes him to never meet a stranger.

He was born and raised in Garwood, Texas and went to Rice Consolidated Schools throughout his early years, graduating from Rice High School. He is the Fire Chief of the Garwood Volunteer Fire Department and has been an emergency medical technician for more than 30 years.

He is an independent owner and buyer of land and cattle and has the heart of a Texas rancher. He has been in the car business for years, and during his participation in many auto auctions he was bit by the “Auction Bug.” After receiving professional training, Todd was licensed by the State of Texas and can call his auction chant of rhythmic repetition like the pro he is.

Hopefully, by now you have purchased your tickets for the Friends of the Library Dinner and Auction. If not, there is still time to buy them from any Friends of the Library member, or at the library’s front desk. When you arrive at the Community Center on the evening of September 21, be sure to have your credit card or you check book with you.

There will be plenty of chances to bid on treasures and have a great time participating. It is a win-win event. As Todd Krenek does his “magic” as the auctioneer, the library will benefit by having funds to continue providing the “magic of books” and all the other excellent services that are so well done in the community of Eagle Lake.

One of the treasures to be potentially bid on at the auction will be the two framed pictures held by Dr. John Myres, a Eula and David Wintermann Friends of the Library member.

The large Elk print, titled “Winner Takes All” was originally painted by renowned American wildlife artist, Frank D. Miller (1939-1999) and is a limited-Edition Print, #6 out of 1,000. Along with “Winner Takes All” is a framed handwritten letter from artist Frank Miller to Eagle Lake resident, Bob Ashby, who purchased the original oil painting over 40 years ago in 1981.

It seems that Bob Ashby had written a letter of appreciation to the artist, and now the artist is appreciating Bob. Together, these two items are a priceless pair. Frank D. Miller was born into an artist’s family in 1939. He got an early start, being taught by his artist father as soon as he could hold a paintbrush.

By the time he was in 7th grade, he was giving art lessons to fellow students. He continued his education and won many awards and recognitions throughout his life. He painted with oils and perfected a transparent glaze technique, which enabled him to achieve both the brilliance and softness found in so many of the old master’s works.

His style was realism with an emphasis on three-dimensional depth, an element which can be seen in “Winner Take All.” His desire was to help others feel the rapture he felt when he viewed the beauty God had created in nature. Frank Miller’s works are distributed nationwide and have graced the cover and pages of many major trade publications.

The Friends of the Library are pleased to present both items together in the live auction. Be sure to purchase your tickets: $15 for the delicious dinner and $20 for the Raffle tickets from any Friends of the Library member or at the check-out desk at the Eagle Lake Eula and David Wintermann Library. Your participation is greatly appreciated and will support all the excellent programs and services that are offered to the community.