Organiser Andrew Baulch said all those involved with the fundraising project are delighted with the result with almost $40,000 raised from the sale of fridges by local artists Lesley Vogel, Denis Clark, Eris Fleming, Ted Lewis, Gabrielle Jones, Ian Chapman, Peter Griffith, Loretta Blake and the sale of the vintage fridge painted by the late Clifton Pugh.

Judith Pugh, wife of the late artist, was on hand to explain the history behind the fridge painted by her husband after several well known Australian artists were inspired to paint fridge doors after an exhibition in Paris in the late 1950s sparked their interest.

Around 60 people attended the auction with the fridge painted by Orange artist Ted Lewis  attracting the highest bid of $6400.

“We are very pleased this has all worked out so well and these fridges, which are from Electrolux will have special significance for people,”  Mr Baulch said.

“We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who made this possible,” he said.

Mr Baulch said he is now hoping the community will continue to become involved with the fundraising process for the new regional museum project.

“Developing that sense of ownership within everyone in the community will be critical to our fundraising task,” he said.

Mr Lewis said he was delighted there was such a positive response to Friday night’s auction.

“It has been a lovely project to be part of,” he said.

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au