Art Auction 2014 a Success

Laguna Art Museum’s 2014 Art Auction fundraiser grossed approximately $200,000 on February 8, 2014 for the museum’s education and exhibition programs. Based on preliminary numbers, the museum expects to net $120,000.

Additionally, 400 people attended, including 45 of the 116 featured artists. Artists in attendance included Elizabeth Turk, Adam Silverman, Victor Hugo Zayas, Tim Clark, Jimi Gleason, Jeff Peters, and James Verbicky, among others.

Fourteen of the 116 works sold at or above value, and 36 artists chose to donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of their work to the museum, versus the option of donating 70%.

The top four works sold at the event were in the live auction and included Light Trap by Laddie John Dill, which sold for $15,000; Bridges in Winter Morning by Theodore Svenningsen, which sold for $8,000; Italian Shuffle by Tony DeLap, which sold for $7,500; and Station to Station 4 by Shepard Fairey, which sold for $7,000. Seventy-five percent of the works sold, and the remaining pieces can be viewed at the museum and on its website through Friday, February 14. They are priced at the minimum bid, which is 50% of the stated value.

Taking inspiration from the stylish 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair, Art Auction 2014: The Art of the Heist featured glamorous 1960s-inspired décor and the chance to “heist” original works of art by over 100 of California’s most sought after artists. The works were sold during an exciting silent auction as well as a fast-paced live auction led by Christie’s auctioneer Charlie Adamski.

In addition to art, guests enjoyed a sampling of cuisine from local noteworthy restaurants Wine Gallery, Side Door, Sabatino’s, Vin Goat, Sapphire Laguna, and Simply Sweet Cakery; vintage-inspired cocktails by Tito’s Handmade Vodka and beer from Noble Ale Works; floral design by Laguna Nursery; and live painting by Jeff Peters. Attendees had the chance to mingle with featured artists, fellow collectors, and the museum’s curators and executive director.