Art auction to raise funds for National Gallery
Auctioneer Philip Paschalides will put artwork under the hammer for the National Gallery
(CNS Local Life): The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) is opening a new exhibition, “Big Art Auction 5”, to raise funds for the gallery’s permanent collection and related educational programmes. The four-week exhibition, which begins with a special preview reception on Monday, 1 October, will feature work by leading contemporary artists before they are auctioned at a “Sotheby’s-style” evening reception on 1 November.
This will be the fifth year of the auction, and the latest exhibition will display work by local artists Avril Ward, John Broad, Charles Long, Simon Tatum, David Bridgeman, Davin Ebanks, Horacio Esteban, Hannah Cook, D. Randall Blythe, Teresa Grimes, Randy Chollette, Nasaria Suckoo, John Bird, Mikael Seffer, Renate Seffer, Stoak’d, Pippa Ridley, Ellen Cuylaerts, Gordon Solomon, Miguel Powery, Bendel Hydes, Kathryn Elphinstone and Joanne Sibley.
Part of the proceeds from the auction will go to the artists and part to the NGCI Art Fund. The 50/50 split is an effort to ensure the project remains sustainable and of benefit to both parties, said the NGCI in the press release.
“Big Art Auction 5” chairperson and NGCI board member, Jennifer Woodford said of the fundraiser: “The National Gallery does not have an acquisitions budget to purchase or commission artwork for the National Collection and so we rely on raising vital funds from the private sector to continue this important work. We wish to extend a huge thank you to our participating artists for supporting the ‘Big Art Auction 5’ and for helping us continue to secure artworks of national significance.”
Funds raised at the event will be allocated to collection development, artwork conservation, and collection-based educational initiatives, stated the press release. “Our collection lies at the very heart of our mission to promote the appreciation and practice of the visual arts and cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands,” said NGCI director Natalie Urquhart.
“The artworks on display have the ability to bring Caymanian history alive. They provide an enriching learning environment for visitors of all ages when combined with contextual and interpretive materials. It is vital that collecting and conserving the National Art Collection, via the NGCI Art Fund, continue to be prioritised, now and for future generations.”
The exhibition is on display in the NGCI Community Gallery and the full catalogue will also be available for viewing on the NGCI website throughout the duration of the exhibition.
In addition, curator-led private viewings can be organised for potential collectors and interested parties. The exhibition will culminate in an invitation-only reception and auction on Thursday, 1 November.
To coordinate a private viewing or to support the Art Fund, email NGCI or call 945-8111. The free exhibition is available for viewing from Monday through Saturday 10am-5am.
Category: Visual Arts
