Sharp, Ayers, Borein in Santa Fe Art Auction, Nov 4, SF, NM
Thursday, October 26th, 2006|
FULL OF WESTERN PROMISE
The continuing rise in popularity of Western art will be evident when the Santa Fe Art Auction takes place on November 4th at Santa Fe’s Eldorado Hotel. Since it began back in 1994, the SFAA has increased in size and is now recognized as the Southwest’s largest auction of Classic Western Art. Last year the auction set a new record with the 286 lots realizing a record $3.7m. Testifying to the importance of the SFAA is its Vice President Peter Riess, who is also Director of Western Art at the Gerald Peters Gallery. “As more and more auction houses enter the Western market, stiffening the competition for fresh material, we always feel fortunate when we can offer a sale of this quality. This year’s sale includes a solid collection of fresh Western works from the Taos Society of Artists, the most major painting by Birger Sandzen ever to be auctioned, a fine and varied selection of Classic Western paintings, and several fine examples from past and present members of the Cowboy Artists of America.” |
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Joseph Henry Sharp is one of Western art’s most significant figures. Born in Ohio in 1859, Sharp studied in Chicago and later in Europe before making his first trip to the American West in 1883. He fell in love with Taos after visiting in 1893, becoming a permanent resident in 1912. His influence in attracting fellow artists to the area led to the formation of the renowned Taos art colony and the Taos Society of Artists, of which he is considered a founding father. Noted for his realistic portraits of Indians of various tribes, Sharp had the distinction of having eleven of these portraits purchased by the Smithsonian Institute in 1900. Included amongst several Sharp works up for auction at this year’s SFAA is the vibrant and charming ‘Brings The Flowers’ which has an estimated sale price of between $120,000 and $160,000. Not everything carries quite such a hefty price tag as Peter Riess is keen to point out. “We also have a excellent sale of works that will suit the budget of a new collector seeking to make their first art purchase.” Alongside works by Western art’s most celebrated exponents are pieces by some of the movement’s contemporary masters as well as emerging artists. The rich and varied selection of works on offer will attract hundreds of eager bidders to the elegant Eldorado Hotel while the increase in internet bidding is bound to add yet further to the competitive and lively duels, promising to make the 2006 Santa Fe Art Auction the most successful yet.
Santa Fe Art Auction 2006 For further information, Tel: (505) 954 5858
Sarah Robarts
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Included amongst the paintings, historic prints and rare sculptures featured in this year’s auction are pieces by such notable Western artists as Maynard Dixon, Thomas Moran, Eanger I. Couse, Oscar Berninghaus, Edward Borein, Edward Curtis, Henry Farny, Leon Gaspard and Joseph H. Sharp.
After attending to business at the impressive Kenyatta International Conference Center, delegates can enjoy sumptuous meals with African Heritage Shows or dinner in the Nairobi National Park followed by cocktails at sunset on the beautiful Ngong Hills.
Africa also boasts magnificent beaches and with some coastal hotels offering conference amenities, it’s the perfect way to combine work with relaxation. Alternatively, golf fans can take advantage of the many spectacular courses the country has to offer. An essential feature of conference tourism is entertaining those who accompany the delegates on their trip. With a host of activities ranging from the more adventurous white water rafting, mountain climbing and trekking through the bush observing the rich wildlife, to the less strenuous balloon safari, Maniago guarantees neither delegates nor their guests will be short of things to do.
