International Artist Contributes Art to Westport Gala Art Auction
The Mollie Gala Art Auction, being held on Saturday April 21, 2012 at 7 p.m., has reached its goal of acquiring approximately 125 pieces of high quality art for its first ever Mollie Gala Art Auction. The gala art auction event was successful in acquiring art not only from local and regional artists, but from a remarkable and internationally famous artist from Barcelona, Spain.
Local artists and the families of deceased renowned local artists during Westport’s past, when it was known as an “artist colony,” contributed their art generously. Extraordinary regional artists also contributed. However, through a personal relationship, Modesto Cuixart, the Catalan protégée of Picasso and Miro, also contributed three pieces of art to the auction. In 1959, Cuixart gained international recognition when he won the prize for best painter at the São Paolo Bienal in Brazil, beating out his colleague Pablo Picasso. A friend and contemporary of fellow Catalans, Miro and Dali, Cuixart co-founded the avante garde ‘Dau al Set’ movement in Barcelona. His art form has been alternately described as surrealism, expressionism and magical lyricism. “The Mollie Gala Art Auction is extraordinarily fortunate to have received these contributions of art for silent bidding from Cuixart’s widow, Victoria,” says Kristan Peters-Hamlin. She notes that “the bidder who acquires this art will find that its investment value appreciates with time.”
The Mollie Gala Art Auction Event is being held in honor of Mollie Donovan, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on April 21, at the Westport Playhouse Barn, for the benefit of the Westport Historical Society (“WHS”). WHS has announced that it now has approximately 125 pieces of art for sale from legendary artists such as Cuixart, Leonard Fisher, Gramatky, Julie Fatherly, Lisa Black, George Hans Wright, Ray Rideboch, Garrett Price, Howard Munce and numerous other talented artists. There is limited space available for attendees, so tickets should be purchased soon at http://westporthistory.org/programs/mollie-gala-art-auction-2/ or call 203-222-1424.
“The Mollie Gala Art Auction event is an outstanding event, without parallel in our community,” says Mollie Gala Art Auction Chairwoman, Kristan Peters-Hamlin. “It will be a beautiful evening, at which attendees will be surrounded by beautiful art, at auction prices, live classical music, from a string quartet and pianist, and delicious food and wine contributed by local premier restaurants and Black Bear wine store.”Thanks to our sponsors: The Donovan Family, Ann Sheffer, U.S. Trust, Max’s Art Supplies.
Sparkling water by Bahama Bob’s Enterprises, Frame & Save; Catering provided by Dressing Room, Garelick and Herbs, River House, Dunvilles, Balducci’s, One Tough Cookie, Great Cakes, Rustico, Blue Lemon and Sakura.
