Contacts:

Melody Cochran
540/745-7882
melody@wintersuninc.net

Michele Morris
540/745-3639
michelemorris135@msn.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLUE MOUNTAIN SCHOOL HOLDS 16TH ANNUAL FINE ARTS, CRAFTS, AND SERVICES AUCTION ON NOVEMBER 20

October 8, 2004, Floyd, VA ­ The Blue Mountain School (BMS) will celebrate its 16th Annual Fine Arts, Crafts, and Services Auction on Saturday, November 20, 2004. In the 16 years since its inception, the Auction remains the key fundraising event for BMS. Monies raised support the school’s Arts and Music programs, its scholarship fund, and operating expenses not covered by tuition.

The event will be held at the Jacksonville Center, ¼ mile south of the stoplight on route 8 in Floyd. A special preview gallery show will be held at the Jacksonville Center from November 13 through November 19 and will include works donated by local and national artists representing a wide range of genres, styles, and mediums. Featured artists include Lora Leigh Giessler, A’Court Bason, Deb Wildman, Michael Costello, Catherine Pauley, Earth Dance, Joanne and William Bell, and members of 16 Hands Pottery, to name a few. Many local businesses have donated goods and services as well including Winter Sun, New Mountain Mercantile, and Good Food for Good People.

A silent auction will take place on the day of the event from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., accompanied by live music from the C.C. Coates Blues Band. The live auction will begin at 1:00 p.m. Light fare will be provided by Oddfella’s Cantina, Café del Sole will provide coffee and tea, and local fine wines will also be served. Childcare will be provided in the Jacksonville Center from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Blue Mountain School has been operating as the alternative education center in Floyd for 23 years. BMS is a nonprofit parent-cooperative, dedicated to providing an enriching, holistic education for children from pre-school through middle school. Our mission is to foster the individual child’s growth and love of learning within an integrated educational and social matrix, which emphasizes mindfulness and respect in choices, communications, and expressions.

For more information about Blue Mountain School and the Auction, please call 540/745-4234 or visit our website at www.BlueMountainSchool.net.

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