Artspace auction preview opening on Thursday

Artspace
50 Orange St, New Haven, (203) 772-2709
Spectacular! Benefit Auction Preview Exhibition
Apr. 10—May 3, 2008
Opening Reception: Thurs., Apr. 10, 6—8 p.m.

Press release

Artspace, New Haven's premier non-profit contemporary art gallery and project space, is holding their annual Spectacular! Benefit Auction on Sat., May 3, 2008 from 5:30—8 p.m. The Auction is Artspace's main fundraising event, with proceeds supporting award-winning visual arts based community and education programs, innovative exhibitions and public art. The multi-venue event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Silent Auction at Artspace showcasing multimedia work of over 90 area and national artists. Guests will bid on these unique, affordable artworks while enjoying hor d'ouevres provided by 116 Crown, New Haven's newest New York Times rated "excellent" small plate bistro, with cocktails featuring TRU Vodka, the new organic, sustainable, eco-friendly vodka.

Following the Silent Auction at 6:45 p.m., the event moves down the street to the former Woolworth's storefront at 868 Chapel Street, this year's live auction space. Upon arrival, guests will place bids on special Silent Auction items at the Live Space. Lots this year include ceramics by Hayne Bayless and Louise Harter, a library of coffee-table contemporary art books from Yale University Press, gift certificates to Tuscano Ristorante, tickets to the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, and a special Chef's Tasting at 116 Crown.

The Live Auction—beginning promptly at 7:15 p.m.—will be moderated by dashing Auctioneer Guy Bennett, Head of Impressionist and Modern Art at Christie's. On the block this year is artwork by renowned artists Steve DiGiovanni, Maira Kalman, Zachary Keeting, Nathan Lewis, Liz Markus, Edward Steichen and Chuck Webster. Also up for bid in the Live Auction are unique art experiences including a full-color custom portrait by artist Tim Nikiforuk, original artworks by Clint Jukkala, Christopher Mir and Kammy Roulner, accompanied by a case of top shelf wines from Nicholls Wine, and a private tour of the Yale Center for British Art.

Tickets to the Artspace Spectacular Benefit Auction are available for an advance price of $75 per person and can be purchased online at www.artspacenh.org/auction, or by calling (203) 772-2709 x12. Tickets will also be available at the door on Sat., May 3, 2008 for $100 per person. All artwork available in the Silent and Live Auctions will be on view at Artspace from April 10 through May 2, for viewing and placement of early bids, with no ticket required.

There will be an Opening Reception for our Spectacular! Benefit Auction Preview Exhibition this Thurs., Apr. 10, from 6—8 p.m. Artspace has gathered over 90 contemporary works by well-known national and local artists, and will auction them to the highest bidder at our annual Spectacular! Benefit Auction on May 3. Preview unique art experiences and silent auction lots at our exciting opening reception. Place early bids on your favorite pieces, and chat with the many participating artists in attendance.