COLUMBUS, Ohio – On Sunday, May 16, Belhorn Auction Services will disperse one of the largest single-owner collections of contemporary art pottery to come to auction in recent years – the Philip Sartore collection. Internet live bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com.
The Sartore collection includes more than 600 pieces of art pottery by artists from Indiana, the Midwest and across the United States. Highlights from the collection were recently displayed at the Richmond (Ind.) Art Museum. In preparation for that exhibit, Philip Sartore wrote the following:
“I first met potters Walt Schmidt and Barb Bihler in 1980. I purchased a teapot and cups, but not much else. In 1985, I asked Barb to make my first set of dishes – a brown rim with white on the bottom and lots of black specks. The reason for the black specks is that I like pepper and should I be out [of pepper], the black specks would give me the impression. By the late 1990s, I would see a pot and purchase it. In 1999, I met Larry Spears and he made me a pottery collector.”
Sartore continued: “I purchased art and antiques. It proved an impossible dream to afford those things. Add a bad experience, and I decided to look for contemporary art. The most affordable thing was pottery. As I met more and more potters, I saw wonderful things. These pieces may or may not be ‘art’. I think so. There are so many styles, sizes, glazes, etc.”
Sadly, Philip Sartore passed away before his collection was exhibited. After the exhibition, Philip’s family decided it best to sell the collection at auction to allow other enthusiasts the opportunity to share in Philip’s passion.
“We feel honored to offer Philip’s collection to the public,” said Greg Belhorn, auctioneer and president of Belhorn Auction Services. “It has been a real pleasure handling this pottery while getting know some of the artists who created these works. The collection represents pieces that are purely art forms as well as those that are purely functional and others that serve both purposes. Traditionally our auctions have offered antique art pottery. This auction has provided a nice break from that.”
For additional information on any piece in the sale, call Greg Belhorn at 614-921-9441 or e-mail auctions@belhorn.com.
ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
