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Special Thanks to our 2010 Sponsors |
On Saturday, September 25, 2010 art appreciators, collectors and all who enjoyed a fabulous party at the 21st Annual CHAIR-ity Auction at Sculpture Space, in Utica. This year’s theme was “We’re 21!” and included fun and games in keeping with the theme during the first part of the evening. Victoria Mele Zacek and Susan D. Kernan were the 21st Annual CHAIRity Co-Chairs. The unique event offered a creative silent auction and also the opportunity to bid on art in the form of chairs and other artworks created by prominent regional, national and international artists. All profits from the auction support Sculpture Space’s acclaimed residency program for sculptors from throughout the nation and world—the only program of its kind in North America.
The popular event featured inventively altered, embellished or deconstructed chairs and other furniture, original artisan-crafted chairs, drawings, paintings and other artworks. The event begun with a preview of auction items from 4 to 6PM and complimentary hors d’oeuvres donated by the area’s leading restaurants and caterers. Early evening fun and games inspired by the “We’re 21!” theme included a Balloon Burst, a 50/50 drawing and a final chance to participate in the Grand Getaway prize drawing (need not be present to win.) The silent auction offered items and services donated by a rich array of local businesses, coordinated by Andi Dinerstein and John Romanow. The live auction, conducted by professional auctioneer Bernie Brzostek, was held from 6 to 8 p.m.
New this year, Sculpture Space offered a Grand Getaway “your choice” raffle featuring six destinations, including a week in Calabria, Italy as well as splendid destinations closer to home. All raffle proceeds will benefit the Sculpture Space program.
The live auction included internationally renown artists such as the globally-recognized artists Christo and the late Jeanne Claude, and Tony Oursler, whose recent Metropolitan Museum of Art show was one of the museum’s only shows ever to feature a contemporary artist, commanding unprecedented attention.
Local artists are equally generous and outstanding, such as Joel Grimaldi— four-time winner of the Mayor’s Award. Significant among the auction was the Earth Day Collection, eight sculptures created entirely from repurposed materials donated by Empire Recycling.
Sculpture Space is an international artist-in-residence center that has awarded fellowships to nearly 500 professional artists, from 24 countries and 28 states, who live in the Mohawk Valley for two-month residencies to create new work. The program provides each artist with technical support, housing, 24-hour studio access and a stipend towards living expenses. On a regular basis, the community is invited to view the artists’ works and learn about their artistic practice. Tours of the studios are offered. Works created at Sculpture Space are exhibited in sculpture parks, museums and galleries around the world. Sculpture Space is a founding member of the New York State Artists Workspace Consortium and the Alliance of Artists Communities. Its programs are in part made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art. For additional information please call 315-724-8381, e-mail info@sculpturespace.org.
