Coming soon, in May, to the Broadway Auction House, is the annual FRES auction, with the highly sought-after class collector plates created by Fulks run resident Martha Yankey. Martha has been painting these for many years, having quite a history in the public school system.
She started as an art teacher at Elkton Elementary 20 years ago, teaching art at FRES, Elkton, River Bend, Pleasant Valley, Ottobine, and John C. Myers. Martha worked at Fulks Run for 19 years, as a teacher’s assistant, a literacy tutor, and an art teacher.
Martha says “I don’t know how long I have been painting FRES plates for the auction. I may be the only one who ever painted them, I am not sure. I have painted plates for River Bend Elementary, and for John C Myers during the time I was their art teacher as well. My highest priced plate was at River Bend in Elkton. It brought $1,750. Last year at FRES, Mrs. Fox’s plate brought about $1,500! The plates have always been a wonderful fundraiser for the schools and I have enjoyed creating them. Since I have retired, I only paint plates for FRES. I feel an attachment to FRES, my children attended FRES, and it is my home community.”
The FRES Class Plate Auction will be hosted by Auction House of Broadway May 2 – 4. Winning bidders may pick up their items. May 5 – 6. There is a plate for each of the classes this year plus two staff plates.
