Beginning Friday, April 24, the library, located at 498 Jefferson St. in Mifflintown, will launch its first-ever online art auction, inviting the public to support library services while celebrating the work of local artists. The auction will run through Thursday, April 30 and will be hosted on the online platform 32auctions at www.32auctions.com/JCL.

The fundraiser features three pieces donated by two artists with strong ties to central Pennsylvania: handcrafted pottery by Doug Aurand and a watercolor painting along with jewelry by Emily Kirk. Proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Juniata County Library.

Library officials and Friends of the Juniata County Library members say the event is both a fundraising effort and a way to reinforce the library’s role as a cultural and community gathering place.

This event is an opportunity for people to support the library in a meaningful way while also appreciating the talent that exists right here in our region, library representatives said. It’s a win for the library, the artists and the community.

Submitted photo
Artist Emily Kirk created this hand-forged piece of jewelry.

The auction items will be on physical display at the library beginning Friday, April 17, allowing patrons to view the artwork in person before bidding begins online. Once the auction opens April 24, participants can place bids at their convenience from home.

One of the featured artists, C. Douglas Aurand — known professionally as Doug Aurand — has longstanding ties to Juniata County. A 1974 graduate of Juniata High School in Mifflintown, Aurand went on to earn a degree in landscape architecture from Penn State University in 1978. He is the founder and president of Siska Aurand Landscape Architecture in Norfolk, Va.

“He is an avid gardener, an expert in water feature design, and the author of Fountains and Pools: Construction Guidelines and Specifications,” said Virginia Haubert, Friends of the Juniata County Library publicity chairperson, of Aurand who is widely known for his expertise in water feature design.

Aurand also authored “Fountains and Pools: Construction Guidelines and Specifications.” Alongside his professional work, Aurand has cultivated a passion for pottery, creating handcrafted ceramic pieces that reflect his artistic sensibilities. His work is currently displayed at Stravitz Sculpture and Fine Arts Gallery in Virginia Beach.

The pottery piece featured in the auction represents Aurand’s desire to give back to the community where he grew up.

Submitted photo
Pictured is a bowl handcrafted by artist Doug Aurand.

Emily Kirk, the second artist featured in the auction, brings a multi-disciplinary background to her work. A resident of Juniata County, Kirk wears many hats, being an artist, writer, graphic designer and blacksmith.

Before pursuing art full-time, she worked for several years as a factory worker and welder. Her creative work spans multiple mediums, blending technical skill with personal expression. When she is not painting, Kirk can often be found reading, writing or forging metal in her workshop.

“Emily has been painting since she was a teenager and is completely self-taught. When not painting, she can be found reading, writing, or forging,” Haubert added.

Her watercolor painting and jewelry piece included in the auction showcase her versatility and attention to detail, making them standout items for potential bidders.

Proceeds from the auction will help support library operations and programming at a time when public libraries are increasingly dependent on community support. Organizers say the fundraiser underscores the importance of local involvement in maintaining free educational and cultural resources.

Bidding opens April 24 and closes April 30. Interested participants can browse the artwork and place bids by visiting www.32auctions.com/JCL.

Library officials and Friends of the Juniata County Library hope the auction will become an annual event, reinforcing the connection between the arts and the library’s mission to serve the community.