MarcoArellano

Artist Statement – Elsinore Benefit Night

Walking into the Elsinore auction, I was struck by the energy artists, collectors, families, and supporters filling the room. The silent auction tables were busy, the live auction was lively, and the whole space felt warm and connected.

As I moved through the gallery, I kept hearing people talk about the marble set: couples comparing bids, guests marking their cards, and several saying, “I really want that marble set.” Before I even reached the display, I knew it had captured attention.

When I saw it, I understood why. The marbles were arranged on a mirrored glass tray, glowing under the lights, with the Press Play magazine feature on the Great Marble Hunt behind them a perfect reflection of Salem’s art community and the stories we’ve built this year.

I had expected each marble to be auctioned separately, but seeing them offered as a full set made the moment even more meaningful. This was my second auction, and I’m grateful the work sold and helped support a historic Salem institution. Moments like this remind me why I create marbles bring people together, spark curiosity, and carry their stories forward.

Just dropped off nine handmade marbles for a community auction / benefit using my art to give back and keep creativity rolling into the new season. #999marbles 

In a velvet box, 100 hand spun marbles were given to our first RSVPs each a small gesture of glass in motion.

The Fall 2025 cover of Press Play Salem framed this moment with works by Chase Smith and Otto, echoing the lineage of Murano and the geometry of glass as contemporary art.

Thank you to Press Play and to everyone who joined the hunt a community gathering that blurred craft, culture, and play.

#999marbles 🌀