Local artist Carol Zechlin, right, shows Kay Palmcook and Jake Menghini Museum Director Mark Sertich a few of the watercolors that will be auctioned on Saturday at the “World War II Memoirs and An Evening with the Artist.” The fundraiser for the museum’s Oral History Project will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the museum at 105 Odill Drive, just off U.S. 2 in Norway. (Iron Mountain Daily News photo)

NORWAY — The Jake Menghini Museum of Norway will present “World War II Memoirs and An Evening with the Artist” on Saturday.

The fundraiser for the museum’s Oral History Project will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the museum at 105 Odill Drive, just off U.S. 2 in Norway.

Local renowned artist Gail Stanek has donated an oil painting of a female red-wing blackbird for the evening’s live auction.

“We appreciate Gail giving the museum such a beautiful piece for the auction,” event co-organizer Kay Palmcook said.

Local artist Carol Zechlin has also donated more than 25 watercolor paintings for a silent auction.

This oil painting of a female red-wing blackbird donated by local artist Gail Stanek will be available in a live auction during “World War II Memoirs and An Evening with the Artist” on Saturday evening at The Jake Menghini Museum in Norway.

All of Zechlin’s pieces depict her love of the outdoors and local landscapes. “Most of the pieces are scenes from the Norway area, including several barns, farms, the bluffs and even an old house,” Zechlin said.

Zechlin has also captured several outings of the Silent Sporters of Upper Michigan and Northern Wisconsin kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

“Some of them are recognizable people — they will probably know themselves,” she said. “I followed the group through the seasons.”

The museum will be open from noon to 4 p.m. today through Friday for the public to come and view the artwork.

Silent auction bids begin at 7 p.m. and will close at 9 p.m. Saturday.

“It may take a day or so to follow up with bids,” Zechlin said.

She hopes the artwork draws in bidders to raise money to continue the Oral History Project.

Palmcook will share local World War II stories and talk about the importance of the project.

A highlight of the evening will be showing the first completed video project, which features the story of First Lt. Joseph A. DeRidder of Norway.

The young airman was killed in action on July 31, 1944, while co-piloting the B-17 “Devil’s Luck” above Munich, Germany. Several of DeRidder’s journal entries from his “My Stretch in the Service” diary will be part of the segment including his last flight on July 29, 1944.

Palmcook, who conducted the interviews, said the videography was completed by Brian Carncross.

The Oral History Project was started about 12 years ago, while Zechlin served as the museum’s director.

“We were working with Norway school students on different projects and came up with the idea to do interviews,” Zechlin said. “It grew from there.”

Palmcook, who had been working on similar projects, joined the museum’s efforts in preserving the stories of local veterans a short time later.

Zechlin said she had felt guilty about not being able to assist Palmcook with the video part of the project, as she didn’t have the equipment or technical knowledge.

“Last winter someone asked me to have a showing of my artwork, which got me thinking that I could incorporate my art somehow with the project,” Zechlin said. “My hope is to raise money to pay someone to help Kay to take over the video editing.”

Palmcook said they hope the event sparks interest in the project to get more volunteers as well.

“It’s really important to keep this going,” Palmcook said, adding they do have other completed videos that will be shown at a future date.

The string trio Datura of the local area will provide musical entertainment throughout the evening.

Hors d’oeuvres, including a charcuterie board, and refreshments will be served.

All funds raised during the evening goes to the Oral History Project.