Friday, September 22, 2006, 6-10 pm GOING, GOING, GONE! By the light of the moon and a canopy of stars, a special selection of the County Seats will be on display one last time at the Garden Gala Live Auction on Fri., September 22, 2006 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the picturesque Taltree Arboretum and Gardens in Valparaiso. The County Seats Project is a fun interactive sculpture exhibit showcasing the region's talent on 80 uniquely painted seats. This is the first time that a public art exhibit has brought together 15 communities spanning a 41 mile distance (as the crow flies). Each sculpture is made with 40% recycled-content. This exhibit is the first of its kind to incorporate an environmental message with a public art project. Sponsored by businesses and organizations, the seats have been on display throughout the three counties since Memorial Day. Bartos Auction Service will conduct the live auction, which is sure to be exciting for both bidders and spectators alike. All profits raised from the County Seats Project and Auction will go to create a regional art scholarship fund, awarded to one student for each county, and the other half will be returned to the participating communities to be used for further art projects, community marketing or beautification projects. Guests will enjoy the fine cuisine of appetizers, entrees and desserts by Comfort’s Catering, with wine, beer and other libations. The evening will be punctuated with lively ragtime music provided by the Billy Foster Trio. Tickets are available now for this fundraising event @ $50 per person and may be ordered by contacting Judith Mayer at 219/923-5279 or Judith@keyworddesign.com. Fiscal agent for the project is South Shore Arts, formerly Northern Indiana Arts Association. Taltree Arboretum & Gardens 450 West 100 North Valparaiso, Indiana 46385 www.taltree.org Prior to the auction the sculptures will be exhibited at Taltree. Visit Taltree to preview the sculptures up for auction—stroll through the grounds, experience the tranquil gardens, ponds and nature trails and be inspired by nature's beauty. Taltree is a 360-acre reserve of woodlands, savanna, wetlands and prairie, woody plant collections and gardens. This ecologically diverse area combines a nature preserve with planted displays and a commitment to ongoing, horticultural research. Professional auctioneers for the event: Bartos Auction Svc. Inc. Michael R. Bartos (IN Lic# AU09000162) and Janice J. Hansen (IN Lic# AU01043093) www.4saleexpress.com