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Garrison Art Center's Annual Spring Auction Fetches Highest Bid in 25-Year History for Painting by Local Artist
 | | 0523GACAuction net.jpg Auctioneer George Lowry and former New York Governor George Pataki are pictured next to the 'new technology' incorporated into the Auction |
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Garrison Art Center's Annual Spring Auction, held in Garrison New York on May 12, 2007, reached a twenty-five year high for a single bid on a landscape painting by professional, local artist Kevin Kearns. There were four other record breaking bids, one for a painting by another local artist, Rick Thurston. The biannual fundraiser is a signature event of GAC and has been bringing artists to the Hudson Valley for a quarter century.
The day was perfect. Sun, puffy white clouds, breeze, blue sky and not too hot. The artists start their day checking in at Garrison Art Center, have some coffee, drop off a previously done painting for the Silent Auction and network with other artists and friends at GAC, deciding where to paint and how will the day go. With such a good beginning everyone was in a good mood. They grab a bag lunch of fabulous peanut noodles, homemade oatmeal cookie and an apple, made by Fresh Company, and a bottle of water and off they go to somewhere with a view or perhaps remain on Garrison's Landing.
George Lowry, auctioneer and his wife stopped by to see how the day had begun. This year GAC was experimenting with technology to see if they could incorporate viewing the paintings on a screen as well as in 'person'. The paintings were photographed as they returned to GAC and Lowry put them in his computer and displayed them on a small screen. The technology and process will work. GAC just needs to get a big screen for the Fall Auction, October 13, 2007.
Lowry and his son Nicho, from Swann Galleries in New York City, presided over the fast-paced and entertaining auction. They both regarded the caliber of the work on auction to be the highest it has been in years. The Center filled with prospective buyers. The buzz began. Eric Wagner, with his booming voice, herded people down to the tent. Former Governor George Pataki had his paddle. Libby Turnock, GAC Executive Director introduced some ideas that were being considered for future auctions and one that was in place for the day. The minimum bid was raised for the first time in many years. George and Nicho took the microphone and the fun began.
In conjunction with the Artists on Location Live Auction, GAC held a Silent auction of previously completed work by the same artists. It was exhibited in the galleries for the week following the live auction event. Silent Auction paintings remain on the website for awhile and can still be purchased if they did not sell.
For any further information about the artists, the auction or other events, please call GAC. Mr. Kearns is represented by Stricoff Fine Art in New York City. He will be offering a landscape-painting course at Garrison Art Center in the fall.
Garrison Art Center is a notfor profit educational and cultural institution currently celebrating its 41st year serving the Hudson Valley. GAC opens the door to artistic inquiry and expression. GAC expands artists' visions and fosters creative ideas and appreciation of the arts in our community. It is supported by funds raised through membership, events such as the Artists on Location Auction and in part with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. Telephone 424-3960, or visit www.garrisonartcenter.org
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