The thrill of the bid is coming to the city's top art gallery.
Auctions are one of those events when the arts cross a line and almost become a sport. There's the rush of competition, the satisfaction of victory, there is motivation in defeat, and all around you there is someone's creative inventions unlike any other in the world.
When the Two Rivers Gallery (2RG) holds their annual art auction next week, there will also be the added gratification of knowing an uplifting community entity - in some ways a work of art itself - is being supported with every bark of the word "sold!" by veteran art auctioneer Doug Levis.
"Our Live Art Auction is the highlight event of the season," said 2RG managing director Peter Thompson. "Bid against friends and acquaintances for the chance to acquire art by some of Canada's most exciting established and up-and-coming artists. Suit up, put on your new spring frock and enjoy an evening of high stakes bids and cheeky banter. Join in the fun and witness cut-throat bidding wars as our local collectors duel for a piece of fine artwork before the bang of the auctioneer's gavel announces the winner."
The paintings and photographs exposed for bidding this year were donated by some of the best known names in the region and Canada. They include: Heather Thomas, Tony Yin Tak Chu, Laura Chandler, John Westergard, Miyuki Shinkai, Cat Sivertsen, Marie Nagel, Leszek Wyczolkowski, Will Gill, Jose Delgado, Erin Hutson, Betty Kovacic, Sybille Muschik, Tony Calzetta, Alan Farmer, Ann Nicholson, Maureen Faulkner, Gary Pearson, Peter von Tiesenhausen, Harry Stanbridge, Theresa Sapergia, Corey Hardeman, Karma Vance.
The star of the show is a Robert Davidson piece worth an estimated $2,550. Kovacic's diptych (a piece of art made up of two pieces of art) is estimated at the same price, as is the Stanbridge piece.
Most others are estimated to be in the $500-$900 range with a few exceptions on both ends of the cost scale.
Thompson said it is impossible to predict exactly what the auction collection will turn out to be, since each piece is donated. "But we do try to have a range of artists at different stages of their careers, which helps us know there will be a range of affordability."
The public at large may attend the event, tickets are sold so people can spectate and cheer on the bids for their favourites, perhaps even join the fray, but there is also outreach done by the gallery to ensure the crowd is laced with people intent on going home with at least one new piece.
"When we started this seven years ago, I was concerned about getting the deepest pockets into the room," said Thompson. "I've learned that it is most important to get lovers of art into the room regardless of their depth of wallet. I stopped being surprised by people of modest income being the ones winning the bidding, because they budgeted for something that is important to them and that is original, high-quality art."
He laughed and added "And we have a payment plan."
The works are all gathered from among the artists who have, in some way, participated in 2RG programming over the years. Thompson said the generosity of their partner artists is always impressive and sometimes emotionally touching. To keep that spirit alive, 2RG organizers approach any given artist for a donation only on rare occasions. So in order to expand that pool of potential donors, it behooves the curators to jury in only the best of the best for the 2RG walls.
Tickets to attend are $25 each or $40 for a pair. They are available at the gallery front desk, or online at www.tworiversgallery.ca.
Those who cannot attend but wish to bid, there is a proxy bidding system if you arrange that in advance with gallery staff.
The money raised will go towards the crowded menu of services and activities available through the 2RG, everything from hospital program Art Heals to the in-school arts visits provided through a partnership with School District 57.
