Celebrities get creative

Doodles, artwork to help library group

BY MARY WICOFF

DANVILLE — From a stick figure of a cat to an elaborate watercolor, celebrities across the country are using their artistic talents to help the Danville Library Foundation.

The foundation has received artwork from 56 celebrities to be sold at its first Doodle for Literacy auction. The auction and gala will be April 10 at the Danville Country Club.

The evening will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks and bidding, both live and silent.

The highlight of the evening will be a special appearance by Rin Tin Tin, the offspring of the famous German shepherd from the 1950s and ’60s television series. He will demonstrate some of his special talents throughout the evening, and also will appear at the Danville Public Library the morning of the event.

Organizers are pleased with the celebrity response and excited about the event.

“We’re anticipating a positive turnout,” foundation board member Amy Hoose said. “It’s going to be an evening of fun.”

Board member Melanie Stevenson suggested the event, based on the successful Doodle Art Auction at the University of Illinois. The annual auction raises funds for its veterinary school.

Using “The Celebrity Black Book,” which lists addresses for more than 55,000 celebrities, foundation members highlighted their favorites.

In October, packets were sent to 750 celebrities. With a grant from the Julius W. Hegeler II Foundation, the library group put together packets containing a stamped, self-addressed envelope, black marker, cardstock board, a letter about the auction and examples.

All the celebrity had to do was doodle on the paper, and return it.

Vickie Hicks, executive director of the foundation, said the board hoped for a 10 percent return rate.

“I was pleased at the amount of return we got,” she said.

The foundation has yet to hear from natives Dick and Jerry Van Dyke and Gene Hackman, but hopes the actors will participate.

Most of the responses have been doodles, but some celebrities — including Elizabeth Taylor and Jerry Mathers — sent autographed photos. Former first lady Laura Bush and daughter Jenna sent an autographed book they wrote, “Read All About It.”

Mark Harmon sent a script from Episode 126, “Broken Bird,” of his TV show “NCIS.” It’s signed by all the cast members.

Anthony Hopkins has a unique talent: He blindfolds himself and then does a chalk drawing. The actor submitted a chalk drawing of a man; the piece is autographed and mounted.

Filmmaker Ken Burns sent along a New York Times crossword puzzle, apparently completed by him, with his autograph.

Singer Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul & Mary fame, sent a self-portrait, along with lyrics to “Day Is Done.”

Jim Belushi drew a picture of a boy reading, with the words “Reading is so cool!!”

Rodeo star Ty Murray sketched a rodeo scene, along with words that appear to be song lyrics.

Actress Candice Bergen drew a couple of caricatures, one which appears to be a self-portrait and another of a man with his nose in a book.

Donald Trump sketched the skyline of New York City, while Rin Tin Tin turned his paw prints into flowers. Bob Barker drew a stick-cat with the words, “Have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Jared VanCamp, a Danville native who is one of Chicago’s top chefs, submitted a picture of a pig with butcher numbers on it.

Tony LaRussa submitted one of the most detailed artwork — a watercolor print of a boy and a dog.

“There are some fantastic pieces,” Hoose said. “We appreciate all who have donated so far.”

Because seating is limited at the Danville Country Club, people are encouraged to make their reservations. Invitations also will be mailed.

All proceeds will go to the foundation, a charitable organization whose mission is to increase community support for the Danville Public Library.

Hoose said, “Because it’s something new and innovative, we hope Danville can embrace it and come out and enjoy the evening.”

The celebs

Contributions received as of Jan. 18 include:

Bo Bo Smalls, Candice Bergen, Bonnie Blair, Charles Gibson, Stacy Keach, Jim Palmer, Nolan Ryan, Ivana Trump, John Tur-turo, Al Unser, Stan Musial, Loni Anderson, Anthony Hopkins, Andy Williams, Jerry B. Jenkins, Peter Yarrow, Sandra Brown, Vanna White, Bob Ewbanks, RinTinTin, Jane Alexander, Karen Allen, Scott Baio, Bob Barker, Dave Benton, Jay Leno, Jerry Mathers, Jennifer Roscoe, Ed Asner.

Also, Elizabeth Taylor, Donald Trump, Yogi Berra, Ty Murray, Doug Quick, Maestro Jeremy Swerling, Twyla Tharp, Tho-mas J. Tune, Bobby Unser, Jason Alexander, Mark Spitz, Jennifer Ketchmark, Jim Belushi, Judy Fraser, Mark Harmon, Laura and Jenna Bush, Marlee Matlin, David Baldacci, Mario Andretti, Harmon Killebrew, Tony LaRussa, Dan Lenihan (co-author with Gene Hackman), Nadia Comaneci, Max Lucado, Tatum O’Neal, Jared VanCamp, Bert Stein, Newt Gingrich and Kenneth L. Burns.

FOR TICKETS

The first Doodle Art Auction and Gala will be held April 10 at the Danville Country Club, 2718 Denmark Rd. Seating is limited. To make reservations, call the Danville Library Foundation office at 477-5220. Admission for a single person is $65 and for couples, $100; cash or checks only. The library’s Web site is http://www.danville.lib.il.us/

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