Swain’s Shark Tops Art In The Park Auction

Somebody really likes Steve Swain’s art.

 The Harwich metal sculpturer’s contribution to the annual Art in the Park exhibit once again topped the bidding in the auction for the 71 whales and 14 sharks displayed this summer in Kate Gould Park.

 Swain’s shark, an aggregation of small metal fish sponsored by North Chatham Outfitters, had the top bid of $10,050 in the online auction that ended Aug. 14. A similar work by Swain in last year’s Art in the Park also earned the top spot with a $15,050 bid.

 Overall, the total bids in this year’s auction exceeded last year by more than $5,000. This year’s auction earned a total of $221,735. Last year brought in $215,786.

 The second highest bid was $6,550 for David Cooperrider’s whale done for Chatham Weaves. Julie Dykens’ whale for Cape Cod Five was third with a $6,000 bid.

 The annual summer art exhibit is sponsored by the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Association. Half of the proceeds from the auction go to the artists, with the other half helping fund chamber and merchants activities such as Oktoberfest and Christmas by the Sea.

 The final bids can be found at auction.biddingforgood.com/auction/341841215.

Meanwhile, the Oars in the Stores scavenger hunt continues through Labor Day weekend, and an auction of the individual oars began last weekend and runs through Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. A link to the auction is at chathaminfo.com.