CANTON – TAUNY is turning 25 this year, and the folklife organization is celebrating with a "TAUNY at 25" Auction Thursday, May 26, at the Eben Holden Conference Center at St. Lawrence University.

A prized collection of Hazel Tyrrell hand-carved birds will be auctioned by Kip Blanchard of Blanchard's Auction Service. A silent auction will feature other North Country art and antiques donated to TAUNY for the auction.

In 2004, a collection of birds carved by the late Hazel Tyrrell of Pierrepont was donated to TAUNY and St. Lawrence University. It was the intention of the donors that the birds be sold to raise money for the two organizations.

TAUNY's portion of the auction proceeds will go to the Evergreen Campaign to support renovations to The TAUNY Center in Canton.

The auction festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. with a preview of the birds and other auction items. The half hour preview is free to TAUNY members and $10 for non-members (beginning at 6 p.m. there is no charge for admission).

Food will be provided by St. Lawrence University, with a cash bar catered by 1844 House.

At 6 p.m. bidding for the silent auction items will begin, and at 6:30 p.m. Varick Chittenden, who interviewed Hazel Tyrrell during her lifetime, will offer a preview presentation about her life and work.

The live auction of Tyrrell birds and some art and antique items begins at 7 p.m.

A link to Blanchards' photos of the Tyrrell birds and other auction items can be reached at www.TAUNY.org.

Question about the auction should be directed to Kristen Whittier (kristen@tauny.org, 386-4289).