CommentsCHARITY - As one of the nation’s most comprehensive providers of mental health and support programs for children, youth and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and transgender/gender diverse youth, The Laurel Foundation is thrilled to host its inaugural international online art auction, “The Art Of _,” from May 2 to May 13, 2022.
By merging some of the world’s most iconic artists, such as David Hockney and Andy Warhol, with gallery favorites Debora Medici-Guetta, Frank Ockenfels, Luc Bernard, William J. O’Brien, Don Flood, and Salomon Khammi, alongside transgender/gender diverse artists Danielle Paris, Ayin Es and Rhys T Hansen, nationally recognized HIV+ artist Patrick Brown and up-and-coming artists Berit Mondale, Sam Culp and Kylie Ames, The Art Of _ auction will support The Laurel Foundation’s important mission, while building a platform for artists from within the community it serves, whose work deserves to be highlighted and celebrated by the broader arts community.
Celebrating 30 years of service, The Laurel Foundation offers vital mental health and support programs, as well as a gender-affirming community, at the forefront of its mission. Each year, it serves hundreds of low-income, at-risk participants through its Camp Mulberry and Camp Laurel day and resident programs. By offering an inclusive environment where campers can meet adult mentors and role models, the camp's aim is to instill positive self-identity for all those who attend by building self-esteem and empowering attendees to build productive successful lives. The Laurel Foundation’s year-round programs are cost-free and made possible through generous donations and —for the first time ever— The Art Of _ auction.
Generously sponsored by Bonhams, to benefit The Laurel Foundation, the international online auction will feature more than 75 donated contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs, and objects. Online bidding will open May 2nd at 1:00PM PST and close on May 13, 2022 at 1:00PM PST.
A special Viewing Party will take place on May 12th from 6:30-8:30PM at Bonhams, with a VIP viewing from 6:30-7:00PM to meet select artists and celebrities. The event's Honorary Celebrity Host Committee includes Jamie Lee Curtis, award-winning actress, producer, director, author and advocate, and Carson Kressley of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and "RuPaul's Drag Race." Tickets to the event range from $40 (general admission) to $125 (VIP admission).
To learn more about the The Art Of _ auction, register for the auction, and/or purchase tickets to the May 12th event, visit https://laurel-foundation.org/theartof/.
Each year, The Laurel Foundation’s cost-free programs provide over 700 children and youth an opportunity to enjoy traditional camp activities, such as horseback riding, archery, swimming, and kayaking, while being surrounded by peers who understand their unique experiences as transgender/gender diverse youth, or living with HIV/AIDS.
The Art Of _ auction will showcase works by artists (top) William J. O’Brien (left), Yves Klein (center); Shelly Mosman (right); (bottom) Patrick Brown (left); Debora Medici-Guetta (center); and Cherie Harte (right).
Additional sponsors of the event include the Sonoma Private Wealth Management, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Madhappy, Haritha Jewelry, Printing Palace, Monk Provisions, Curly Bartender, Tito's Vodka, Baldwin Avenue Gallery, and DJ Laree Love, in addition to numerous private contributions. Considerable assistance has been provided by Spence Gallery.
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ABOUT THE LAUREL FOUNDATION (www.Laurel-Foundation.org | @thelaurelfdn) Founded in 1993, The Laurel Foundation’s mission is to empower children affected by HIV/AIDS and transgender/gender diverse youth through cost-free year-round mental health and supportive programs. The Laurel Foundation programs are a powerful antidote to the challenges of youth living with HIV/AIDS who are gender diverse, and help bring a sense of empowerment, hope, and joy to those served.
ABOUT BONHAMS (www.bonhams.com | @bonhams1793) Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers, offering fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewelry. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with auctions also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas.
