Thad Hale, Lawrence, left, and Thad Warren, Kansas City, Kan., move a garden swing Saturday at Van Go Mobile Arts Inc.’s fundraiser at Clinton Lake Marina.

When Howard Hasler arrived at Van Go Mobile Arts Inc.’s What Floats Your Boat fundraiser, it was the brightly colored flower umbrella up for auction that caught his eye.

But it was more for a utilitarian purpose than an artistic one. An afternoon downpour had people scattering to find shelter, and in the process testing the practicality of the artwork.

Rachel Rademacher, however — who ducked under the same umbrella with a pitcher of beer that she was helping serve as a Leadership Lawrence volunteer — had beauty on the mind.

“Everything is catching my eye. All the bright colors, it’s kind of their trademark,” Rademacher said.

Bright colors indeed. Saturday evening, Clinton Lake Marina was filled with bright greens, blues, purples, reds and oranges from the tablecloths to the artwork, which was created by Van Go apprentices between the ages of 14 and 21.

Along with umbrellas, there were mosaic giant candlesticks, bird baths and urns. Adirondack benches and chairs were painted with Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” scene, an under-the-sea theme and pirate booty.

“I think it is gorgeous, just gregarious. I would love to have any of it,” Cindy Tuley said.

Nearby was Katie Becker who was taking a gander at what artwork she might bid on. In the past, she’s taken home some of the less expensive items, partly because of their uniqueness and partly because of who the auction supports.

Among artists was 16-year-old Abuk Deng, who was impressed by the reaction it was getting.

“It made me feel that we can come up with something different and that we can make other people happy,” Deng said.

The rain only lasted a few minutes and the sun came out, giving the crowd of about 600 a chance to enjoy dinner and later bid on the artwork at the live auction. The fundraiser brings in around $75,000 a year and supports the JAMS (Jobs in the Arts Make Sense) program.