The Potters’ Association of Namibia was formalized in 1987 and since then, by upholding their mission to " foster the art and craft of pottery/ceramics and encouraging the development, appreciation and recognition of this in every way possible" they have come up with some very creative ideas. The latest is a fun "Painted Plate Silent Auction" fund-raising challenge involving the participation of 100 invited members of the Swakopmund business community, and 20 well-known artists, in painting pottery plates. The completed plates will be exhibited for a week to allow for public preview and, in the form of a unique "Silent Auction", will be sold off to the highest written bidder.

A "Silent Auction" differs from a normal auction in that bidding takes the form of a written instead of verbal bid. The exhibited painted plates will be numbered and each will have a bidding form provided. Each plate will have a reserve price and people wanting to buy a particular plate will write their bid in low increments. At the end of a certain time period allowed, the final name on the bidding form will bear the highest amount bid and will be the proud purchaser of their favorite plate! An experienced Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Anton von Wietersheim, will guide this auction process and an enjoyable evening is guaranteed.

The generous public support, and their enjoyment of the first Silent Auction in 2002 was memorable and we look forward to repeating this success again this year. The Potters’ Association of Namibia hereby warmly invites you to attend their unique Painted Plate Silent Auction at 18:00 on Saturday 29 October 2005 at the Hobby Horse Art Gallery in the Arcade, Swakopmund.