Art for a good cause

The Inn at Redwood was beautifully decorated with colorful, creative oil paintings, sculptures and lithographs on Sunday.

The rooms were just as gorgeous as the artwork.

Filled with antique furniture and hardwood floors, the Inn at Redwood features crown molding, French doors, fireplaces and warm-colored walls with white trim.

The serene setting is located on 10 acres at the end of a narrow gravel driveway off of U.S. 522.

The 7,000-square-foot 19th century plantation home served as the location for the 2008 Vine Arts event, an annual benefit that raises money for the Culpeper Regional Hospital’s Foundation.

The proceeds will help fund child-friendly initiatives such as stickers, video games and coloring books for children to play with while visiting the hospital.

This year, the benefit raised more than $10,000, according to B.J. Harrington, vice president of the CRH Foundation and community relations.

In the sunroom, several pieces of art were displayed on easels underneath dimly lit chandeliers.

Some of the live auction items included: Dan H. Williams’ original watercolor “My Old Place,” Roberta Mason’s “Va. Baptist Home & Farm View” and Gary Colson’s “Regal Head” soapstone sculpture.

The value of the paintings ranged from $50 to $2,500, according to Amy Bowling, CRH foundation donor relations and special events coordinator.

The silent auction was held in the parlor and library and featured Carla Rudbach-Kars’ original silk painting and collage “Dance of Joy,” donated by Sylke Heil; Sandy Harris’ “Beach Scene,” and Dolores “Dolly” Martin’s original dichroic glass pendant “Pink/Mauve.”

Outside underneath an oversized tent, patrons sipped on red and white wine as they mingled with other guests.

The owners, Richard and Carolyn Smith — who use the estate as a bed and breakfast throughout the year — said they frequently open their home for special occasions.

“We bought this home in 1999 because of the historical significance and we thought it was of no value if it wasn’t open to the public,” said Carolyn Smith.

Linda Hudson Thornton, CRH foundation board member and Vine Arts committee co-chair, thanked the Smiths for opening their home for the event.

“The people in this community are so generous,” she said. “We are so blessed.”

CRH President and CEO Lee Kirk said the annual benefit is essential from a number of perspectives because it brings a group of different people together.

“It’s a little bit of fundraising and a lot of friend-raising,” he said.

Potential buyer Bucky Hill said he was looking for something different to add to his home.

“I like the beach scene,” he said. “(This event) is for a good cause. That’s the main thing.”

Culpeper resident Laura Newman said she was looking for Christmas gifts.

“I’ve got to do it early,” she said.

Rhonda Simmons can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 125 or .