Buoys & Artists
Art is universal communication. Sadly, during the past year, we’ve been deprived of the arts and have experienced varying degrees of social isolation. The Stonington Lobster Trap Tree brings people and unique perspectives together again. Through this captivating composition, an abundance of creativity and a diversity of styles are being blended together for a beautiful outcome. More than 100 talented professional artists from Rhode Island and Connecticut are collaborating to bring this unique art installation to fruition. While most are using acrylic paints, some are creating their buoy using decoupage, mosaic tile, and even yarn! Each of these works of art will be clear coated and displayed on the community tree and then be available for public auction February 4th at St. Mary's Church in Stonington from 5:30 - 7PM. This aesthetically stimulating display will alter the landscape in a dramatic way and has the power to influence our mood, our culture, and impact the local economy. The Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of the artists who donated their time to support this initiative. Contact information is provided with the photos of each buoy so that you may learn more about these incredible artists and so that you can shop their gallery or commission them for your own special project.
Unique opportunity to own coveted buoys on the
First Annual Stonington Lobster Trap Tree!
Bid on an incredible piece of art work from the first ever Stonington Lobster Trap Tree which has been recognized by BBC News as one of the 18 most "Amazing Christmas trees around the world”. You are literally biding on a piece of history!
If you are interested in submitting a bid for one of these beautiful artist buoys please read the terms and conditions and fill out the form below.
All online bids will be accepted until Thursday, February 3rd until 12(noon).
This is stage 1 of a 3 stage auction. On Feb. 4th this auction will continue with bidding accepted at 2 separate in-person events and will formally conclude at 6:30pm.
On Friday, February 4, 2022 we will be having an in-person silent auction at St. Mary's Church in Stonington Borough. Please visit our Events page for more details regarding that event.
Please read the following information before placing any bid.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
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BUYER BEWARE. All buoys are sold “as is”. Buoys photographed on this website were documented PRIOR to clear coating, transportation, and the 2 month outdoor art installation.
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Buoys may have incurred scratches, dents, fading or other imperfections as a result of their participation in the first ever Stonington Lobster Trap Tree art exhibit.
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An inspection period is provided on Feb 4th 10:30 am – 2 pm. Each buoy will be displayed in its present condition on an individual turntable that allows for gentle spinning and examination of buoy from all sides. NO TOUCHING OF BUOYS PERMITTED!
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A minimum bid of $40 must be made on any buoy. Minimum Bid Increase must be at least $1 for online bidding.
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Must be 18 or older to bid and must have sufficient funds available on credit card that is on file to place a bid.
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Once a bid is a made and your bid is the highest a credit card authorization form will be emailed to you to fill out and return. Only then will your bid be officially recognized as the current highest bid.
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You have 24 hours from the time you receive our acknowledgment of your pending bid to respond with a signed credit card authorization form. The sooner you respond the better as it will secure your bid at that dollar amount. (ie./ if another person submits a bid a that same amount and verifies prior to yours, their initials will appear on the website with the verified bidding amount). If we do not receive your signed credit card authorization form within 24 hours of our correspondence, your bid will disregarded. To insure this bid is from a valid source (ie./not a bot or prankster) we must validate your bid with this process. Bids will be updated periodically and the initials of the higher bidder will be posted alongside the verified bid that is currently in the lead. We are a 2 person, non-profit organization and are not able to send notifications when you've been outbid.
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All bids are legally binding and payments for winning bids will be processed of February 4, 2022 by 11:30 PM.
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All winning bidders will be notified by no later than 11:45PM on February 4, 2022.
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Successful bidders that are present at the In-Person Silent Auction may elect to pay by cash instead of having credit card processed.
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NO personal checks accepted.
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Businesses that are members of the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce may pay by company/business check.
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NO INVOICES will be generated, but receipts can be provided upon request.
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NO REFUNDS will be provided.
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ALL SALES FINAL.
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If necessary, buoys may be stored at the OCCC for the period of 30 days to allow the successful bidder to come to 1 Chamber Way, Westerly, RI to pick-up.
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Those buoys that require packaging and mailing will be processed by the Parcel Center in Westerly RI – a professional mailing services to ensure proper packaging and prompt delivery. We cannot predict the cost to wrap, box and ship a buoy to your location. The winning bidder is expected to incur these expenses and “it is what it is”. The OCCC is not in the business of mailing and packaging and therefore we are relying on this third party. We will however not add additional fees for staff time & transportation of buoy.
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Every buoy will come with a Certificate of Authenticity that names the artist, provides date of sale and is signed by Lisa Konicki, President, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce.
By submitting a bid you have read and understood the terms and conditions.
If you are placing a bid that is lower than the current bid clearly listed with the buoy, we will not be acknowledge your bid via email communication.