Camden — The Ragged Mountain Recreation Area Foundation is sponsoring a gala auction evening Thursday, July 12 starting 6 p.m. at a private home to support the redevelopment of the Camden Snow Bowl. The Artisans Auction includes more than 50 items from the area’s finest artists and artisans. Items include fine art, photography, jewelry, furniture, textiles and sculpture.

These items can be viewed online; the direct link to Bidding For Good’s online Artisans Auction site, and tickets for the auction event, $75, can be found online at camdensnowbowl.com. Tickets for the live event, which also includes live music, Swans Way-catered food and cocktails overlooking Penobscot Bay, also can be purchased by calling the Camden Snow Bowl at 236-3438.

The project will provide expanded trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing as well as increased snowmaking, newly refurbished triple chairlift to the summit of Ragged Mountain, an expanded beginner ski area and a new lodge. The overall goal of the campaign is to raise $4.6 million in private funds, which will then leverage an additional $2 million from the Town of Camden, which owns the property. This unique recreation area provides year round and varied options for youths and families of the Midcoast region and is visited by enthusiasts from across the state.

Courier Publications' A&E Editor Dagney C. Ernest can be reached at 207-594-4401 or dernest@courierpublicationsllc.com.