Record-Breaking Benefit Art Auction Supports Student Scholarships
February 22, 2011
Pacific Northwest College of Art is pleased to announce that the third annual Benefit Art Auction with Bonhams & Butterfields at The Nines Hotel raised $130,000 for student scholarships at PNCA.
Under the leadership of Honorary Chair Jordan D. Schnitzer and Auction Committee co-chairs Elizabeth Leach and Kathleen Lewis, an impressive group of pieces were auctioned to raise funds to support students at PNCA. More than 85% of the College’s 600-plus students receive financial aid.
Internationally renowned auctioneer Malcolm Barber, CEO of Bonhams & Butterfields, led the auction, which included pieces by James Lavadour, Donald Sultan, Judy Pfaff, Lee Kelly ’59 and Malia Jensen ’89, among others. The auction offerings also included a piece donated by the late Ed Cauduro, a longtime friend of the College who was committed to making scholarship support available to young artists through his establishment of a $1 million endowed fund through the Oregon Community Foundation.
In memory of arts supporter and gallery owner Laura Russo, six artists represented by Laura Russo Gallery donated personal works, the proceeds of which will go toward the Laura Russo Scholarship at PNCA.
Members of the 2011 Benefit Art Auction Committee are: Elizabeth Leach, Co-Chair, Kathleen Lewis, Co-Chair, Sheryl Acheson, Mary Lee Boklund, Tori Bryer, Susanne Hashim, Wendy Wells Jackson, and Selby Key.
“Scholarships make a real difference in the lives of students,” said co-chair Kathleen Lewis, who also chairs the PNCA Development Committee.
Elizabeth Leach, owner of the Elizabeth Leach Gallery, agreed. “Scholarships often are the deciding factor in a talented student choosing PNCA – and Portland – over other areas of the country, and we are committed to doing all we can to develop local talent.”
PNCA is also grateful to the following for their support of this event: Laura King Pfaff, Chairman of Bonhams & Butterfields, San Francisco; Fred Kleisner, General Manager of The Nines Hotel; Chris Erickson, General Manager of The Heathman Hotel; Robert Ames, Board of Directors, Bonhams & Butterfields; Al Solheim, Chairman of the Board of PNCA; Dan Kvitka, Dan Kvitka Photography; and Todd Putnam, Framing Resource.