Monday, October 19, 2009

2009 Arts Auction: A True Multi-Media Event


 Call it a "multi-media event" – in more ways than one.

The 2009 Arts Auction to benefit WSBE Rhode Island PBS includes fine works of art by renowned and emerging local artists and artisans. Oil, pastels, watercolor; steel, bronze, copper; clay, glass, plaster – whatever the medium of choice for artistic expression – become landscapes, portraits, still lifes, in a variety of styles from abstract to realism, modern to traditional. Sculptures, kinetics, jewelry, pottery, and textiles satisfy the tactile sense, while stunning photography proves life does imitate art.

This year's featured artists include Del-Bouree Bach, Harley Bartlett, Kyle Bartlett, Richard Benjamin, Kris Donovan, Richard Grosvenor, John MacGowan, Cynthia Whalen Nelson, Michael Rich, Anne Mimi Sammis, David Schock, Walter T. Scott, Jr., and Anthony Tomaselli.

The way the Art Auction will be made accessible to art collectors and the public is its own multi-media event, too – in person, on television, and over the Internet.

Until 11:59 P.M. on October 25, all items will be available for online viewing and bidding at www.ripbs.org.

WSBE Rhode Island PBS is also airing a special half-hour television program, showcasing selected art work and profiling several artists at work. The Preview Show will air throughout October on WSBE Rhode Island PBS. (See specific air dates and times in a separate listing.)

For those who prefer a more up-close-and-personal view of the art, the complete collection of donated works is on exhibit in the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) Lobby through October 25. Computers are available at the RICC to take visitors' bids. A special Rhode Island PBS Fine Arts Exhibit will also be featured in the Providence Fine Furnishings Show, October 23 through 25.

The gallery exhibit in the RICC lobby is free. For more information about the 2009 Rhode Island PBS Arts Auction, visit www.ripbs.org or call 401-222-3636, ext 327. For details and tickets to the Providence Fine Furnishings Show, visit www.finefurnishingsshow.com.