Seven Cal State Long Beach students, alumni and faculty have donated their newest works to be auctioned off Sunday at the Long Beach Museum of Art.
Ysabel Gray, MJ Kim, Tae-Hoon Kim, Tony Marsh, Gerardo Monterrubio, Robert Moore, Matt Wedel and more than 100 other artists will be featured in the event themed “Nothing but Blue Skies.”
Its theme is named after the signature image of the exhibition, Danny Heller’s oil painting “Krisel House with Queen Palm.” Director Ron Nelson chose this theme to convey a positive and optimistic attitude.
So far, 700 people have visited the exhibit, and it is expected that 15,000 people will have visited the exhibit by Friday. About 300 people are expected to attend the auction on Sunday.
Megan Ellisor, assistant to the director and facility manager, said the auction has been in existence since 1992.
“It was added to support artistic and educational programs and demonstrate strong community support for this growing institution,” she said.
Art Auction 13 is considered one of the best contemporary art auctions on the west coast, according to an LBMA press release. More than 150 works are on display at the museum, waiting to be bid on.
“[The exhibit] is not just two-dimensional works but includes fiber, bronze, ceramic and even a powder-blue Vespa S 50,” Ellisor said.
“All proceeds from Art Auction 13 will support the museum’s artistic and educational programming that continues to serve 15,000 children and hundreds of families throughout Greater Long Beach each year,” according to the press release. These programs include both traditional exhibits and hands-on workshops.
The museum expects to raise $100,000 at the event. The money it raises will be used for education and artistic programming.
Wedel, a CSULB alumnus who graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in 2008, donated two of his works to Art Auction 13: “Flower Tree” and “Child.” Both of these works are large ceramic pieces over 5 feet tall.
“Most of my inspiration is based in a formal and emotional curiosity about different objects from my imagination,” said Wedel, who currently works in his own studio in Athens, Ohio. “The works that I make always end up dealing with the idea of landscape. It is a space where anything can exist. These works either grow up from it, exist upon it or are the ground itself.”
Wedel said donating his works to Art Auction 13 made sense since the museum is so active in the Long Beach community.
“I am very appreciative of the museums participation with the local community and their contribution to the Long Beach school system,” Wedel said. “They engage local youth with workshops and provide access to their permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. I am excited to support what they are doing.”
The exhibit is open to the public for a free preview now through Sept. 18 at the LBMA, located on Ocean Boulevard. The auction will be held Sept. 20 from 4-9 p.m., with admission costing $75 per person.