Artist donated works raised $255,000 for Laguna Art Museum’s education and exhibition programs at a well-attended art auction fundraiser showcasing works by 113 California artists last Saturday, Feb. 9.
Based on preliminary numbers, the museum expects to net $175,000, better than its anticipated $120,000 goal and an improvement from similar auctions held in the two previous years, according to a statement.
The top four works sold at the event were in the live auction and included “Triple Light Wedge” by Laddie John Dill, which sold for $29,000; “Northern Train in Snow” by Theodore Svenningsen, which sold for $11,000; a commissioned portrait by Don Bachardy, which sold for $10,000; and “19 Rabbit” by Kim MacConnell, which sold for $9,000.
Eighteen of the 115 works sold at or above value, and all 20 items in the live auction sold, which has not been the case in recent years. Thirty-nine artists (the most in recent years) chose to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to the museum, versus the option of donating 70 percent, according to a museum statement.
The top item sold in the silent auction was “185. Street Flower” by Jeff Koegel which sold for $8,050. Seventy-six percent of the works sold (compared to 70 % in 2012), and the remaining pieces are available on the museum’s website through Sunday, Feb. 17.
About 450 people attended, including 45 of the 113 featured artists. Guests enjoyed a sampling of gastropub fare from Nirvana Grille, Broadway by Amar Santana, Romeo Cucina, Tamarind of London, and Katsuya; beverages from the Wine Gallery; and live art performances by Mimi Yoon and John Park.
The event was organized by Sara Heeschen, Michele Monda, and Sarah Thorne-Markman with the help of Jennifer Karam, Elizabeth Kramer, Deborah Lake, and Director of Special Events Sarah Strozza.
Photos:
Laguna Art Museum’s annual auction was a bigger than expected financial success.
Good info. Lucky me I recently found your site by accident
(stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!