Published: August 19, 2008 09:53 am            

Hassle-free art auction | Annual affair helps reduce St. John's debt

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Owning a piece of a world-class painting at a bargain price is possible through St. John Gualbert Cathedral’s eighth annual art auction.

“An Enchanted Evening of Art” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. John Gualbert Cathedral activity building, 110 Adams St., Johnstown.

The no-haggle art show will feature lithographs, engravings, etchings, watercolors, silk screens, original oils, cartoon cels and various mixed media.

Works are from State of the Art, a nationally known art auction dealer based in Cleveland, Tenn.

Mary O’Donovan, chairwoman of the event, said it is common for the auction house to provide more than 250 pieces for consideration by bidders.

There is no obligation to bid or buy, O’Donovan said. People are welcome to attend, view the art and socialize.

“We had a woman attend our last sale who enjoyed it so much she is bringing over a dozen of her friends to this year’s auction,” O’Donovan said.

“The advantage of this style auction is the variety of works that will appeal to the public.”

Proceeds benefit the cathedral’s debt reduction on its refurbishing project.

The event will begin with a preview at 7 p.m. The auction will start at 8.

Complimentary wine, cheese, desserts and coffee will be served as art patrons get the chance to choose which artwork will be put up for auction by placing a card in the frame.

O’Donovan added there is no charge for admission.

Art in the collection will include works by Disney, Thomas Kinkade, Renoir, Picasso, Dali, Norman Rockwell, Chagall and Patricia (Govensky).

Framing will be done for the artwork, which will make the purchase more valuable.

Patrons will have the chance to win a raffle featuring a limited edition work by Pennsylvania artist Jane Wooster Scott.

The winner must be present to win.

For those who don’t make it to the auction or those who want to see the artwork again, “Take a Second Look” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

This viewing isn’t an auction, but if anyone is interested in a piece of artwork, State of the Art will assign a price and the buyer can purchase it.

The Tennessee-based business offers a generous exchange policy on purchased pieces.

“Our 15-year exchange policy allows anyone who purchased one of our paintings to return it with a receipt for a painting of equal value,” said Debbie Gelnett, auction house office manager.

O’Donovan is taking advantage of the exchange policy this year by trading in Chagall’s “Ceiling of the Paris Opera.”

“I purchased it a few years ago, but it’s too large for my apartment,” she said.

“The exchange is a nice option if someone tires of a piece or discovers it doesn’t suit their decor.”

Admission is free.



Bidding wars

What: St. John Gualbert Cathedral’s eighth annual art auction.

Where: Church’s activity building, 110 Adams St., Johnstown.

When: Friday.

Time: Preview at 7 p.m., auction at 8.

Admission: Free.

        

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