LiveAuctioneers to host live online bidding for Portraits + Polaroids, the eighth annual art auction benefiting Free Arts NYC
Mar. 26, 2007
NEW YORK -- Free Arts NYC announces that bidders across the world may participate in the live auction portion of their eighth Annual Art Auction Benefit, Portraits & Polaroids, which will take place on Monday, April 23, through live online bidding provided by LiveAuctioneers.com, the Manhattan-based facilitator of eBay Live Auctions.
Actresses Scarlett Johansson and Liv Tyler will serve as event hosts, joining Free Arts NYC Board Members and event co-chairs Amy Sacco and Mary Alice Stephenson. This year’s auctioneer is Phillips de Pury Chairman Simon de Pury, also a Free Arts board member. For the fifth consecutive year, this live auction will present unique, large-scale 20-inch x 24-inch Polaroid prints, created specifically for Free Arts by leading contemporary artists. Those who are unable to attend the auction but would like to participate can view the full catalog online, and leave absentee bids, beginning April 16 th, as well as bid live as the sale is taking place at www.liveauctioneers.com.
The benefit also features a silent auction of approximately 50 artworks based on the theme of “The Portrait” in the broadest and most contemporary sense. Portraits may be realist or surrealist, representational or abstract, traditional or conceptual. Phillips de Pury specialists will mount the exhibition, which is a Milk Gallery project. Of the auction, De Pury notes "I am thrilled to be able to combine two of my passions in this event: working with outstanding art and raising funds for this important organizations -- Free Arts NYC." All silent auction lots can be viewed at www.freeartsnyc.org, where those unable to attend the event may also place absentee bids.
Phillips de Pury specialists will mount the exhibition, a Milk Gallery Project sponsored by Christian Dior and Vanity Fair Magazine. Participating artists include Adam Fuss, Alex Katz, Barbara Kruger, Catherine Opie, Chris Burden, Christopher Wool, Chuck Close, Jeremy Blake, Tom Friedman,among others.
In 2006, the event raised over $555,000. All proceeds go directly to support Free Arts programs, bringing art and creative activities to abused and underprivileged children in New York City. To date, we have provided over 20,000 children with positive artistic experiences. They have been encouraged to explore their talents and creativity while building self-esteem. Free Arts partners with more than 35 social services agencies in New York, including those working with the homeless, victims of domestic violence, foster children, and persons with HIV/AIDS, among others. Budgetary cuts in New York City have made creative and arts programs scarce and they have been all but eliminated for the group that is served by Free Arts, the children most in need of creative expression. Free Arts NYC founder Liz Hopfan says “The generosity of both the artists and buyers allows Free Arts NYC to continue our work. Auction supporters would be pleased to see how their donations make a difference in the lives of so many young New Yorkers.”
Tickets (starting at $250) and information are available through Free Arts NYC at 212 974-9092 or online at www.freeartsnyc.org.
** For press credentials, please contact Company Agenda at 212 358-9516 or email mohamed@companyagenda.com **
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