Artist Trust Benefit Art Auction 2009 

 

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Artist Trust 2009 Benefit Art Auction

With over 550 supporters in attendance, Artist Trust hosted an awe-inspiring Benefit Art Auction on February 7, 2009, exceeding our goal of $245,000! The outpouring of support from artists, collectors and volunteers made the Auction an audacious success, especially meaningful in these economic times. Proceeds will benefit Artist Trust in our mission and support of art at its source − the creative individual.

Contributing to the enchantment and celebration of the art-filled evening was the generosity of the artists and the beauty of their work. This year’s new curatorial process raised the bar on the quality of the art. Outstanding artwork created especially for Artist Trust’s Auction included Mary Lee Hu’s gold brooch and Justin Gibbens' watercolor painting.

The magical FUND-THE-ARTISTS portion of the evening reflected the audiences’ understanding of the importance of providing artists with the opportunity to take risks and create. A hush fell over the crowd during a poignant three-minute video of artists describing their inner drive to create and bring meaning to theirs and others’ lives. Then Karen Guzak, a former Board member and artist extraordinaire, inspired new and long-time attendees to raise their bid cards in support of our most promising and respected musicians, dancers, writers, visual and craft artists, performing artists, filmmakers and all other kinds of artists.

In addition to the financial success of the evening, Auction accolades have been pouring in:

“Well you did it! An art auction in the midst of these economic times was no easy task but you and your staff managed to organize and execute a wonderful evening for all to celebrate art. As a guest and an art lover...thank you.” (Peggy Hanel)

"Congratulations on a very successful auction not only in funds raised but on the community building front as well. Everyone I talked to had an amazing time and really felt inspired by the organization's work..." (Jerry Everard)

Other highlights of the evening included:

The evening’s festivities culminated with frenzied bidding for Etsuko Ichikawa’s and Rachel Illingworth’s works and all live auction items being sold! 

Thank you to our community of supporters one and all − dedicated volunteers, artists and supporters. Your generosity makes a difference to the lives and careers of artists throughout Washington State.

[Find these and many more images at: Nonfiction Weddings]

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