Contemporary Art Charity Auction to Benefit the William H. Johnson Foundation for the Arts
8th Annual Auction & Gala
September 26, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
Gemini G.E.L.
8365 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
The William H. Johnson Foundation for the Arts is pleased to announce that tickets may now be purchased for its 8th Annual Auction and Gala. The September 26th event is being hosted by Gemini G.E.L. in Los Angeles with food from CHAYA Brasserie and cocktails courtesy of Hennessey. The live portion of the auction will be conducted by Andrea Fiuczynski of Christies, framing provided by Jerry Solomon, and the architectural design of the gala tent by Scott Hughes, Architects. Music by DJ Ganas (see below).
The William H. Johnson Foundation for the Arts was established in 2001 with its mission of supporting early career African American Artists. It annually awards the 25,000 USD William H. Johnson Prize to an early career artist and past winners include Laylah Ali (2002); Nadine Robinson (2003); Kori Newkirk (2004); Dave McKenzie (2005); Edgar Arceneaux (2006); Rodney McMillian (2007) and Jennie C. Jones (2008). Funding for the William H. Johnson Prize comes exclusively from the Foundation’s biannual galas.
The auction includes twenty-five outstanding works of art, all of which are viewable on the Foundation’s website. Interested absentee bidders should contact the Foundation’s offices to register to bid. Successful absentee bidders will be charged a 100 USD fee in lieu of paying the minimum ticket price for attending the event. Artists with works in the auction include Edgar Arceneaux, Sam Durant, Charles Gaines, Tony Gleaton, Ken Gonzales-Day, Todd Gray, Pearl C. Hsiung, Jennie C. Jones, Glenn Ligon, Daniel Joseph Martinez, Rodney McMillian, Kori Newkirk, Catherine Opie, Eamon Ore-Giron, Eduardo Sarabia, Kara Walker, Richard Wyatt and Andrea Zittel.
In addition, there will be a raffle of an original work by Jennie C. Jones who will also be honored at the event as the 2008 Johnson Prize Winner.
The Host Committee includes Sascha & Edgar Arceneaux, Janine & Lyndon Barrois, Mark Bradford, Martine Bury, Adrienne Crew, Stephanie Crew, Victoria Dailey & Steve Turner, Robert C. & Faye Davidson, Sam Durant, Joni Moisant Weyl & Sidney B. Felsen, Veronica Fernandez, Andrea Fiuczynski, Charles Gaines, Audrea Golding, David Alan Grier, Elyse & Stanley Grinstein, Eungie Joo, Dee & Gianna Kerrison, Christine Kim, Bettina Korek, Hau Nguyen & Arthur Lewis, Elsa Longhauser, Steve Martin, Rodney McMillian, Joanne Moore, Kori Newkirk, Ann Philbin, Tracee Ellis Ross, Dominique Shelton, V. Joy Simmons MD, Tavis Smiley, Andrew Stearn, Susanne Vielmetter and Ramona Wright.
Ticket prices range from 100 USD to 5000 USD and may be purchased on the Foundation’s website http://www.whjohnsongrant.org
Gary Garay aka Ganas aka Allá has been part of the Los Angeles music and art scene since the early nineties. Ganas’s angle on DJ’ing is more of an archeological perspective, viewing records as artifacts of what various cultures and subcultures have left behind. His record collection attempts to show the migration patterns throughout North and South America via sound. Ganas is creator and resident DJ at Mas Exitos, the renowned bi-monthly musical happening at the Verdugo Bar. Gary has also designed various album covers for labels such as Stones Throw, Poobah and Ubiquity Records. As an artist, Gary has curated and participated in many exhibitions nationally and internationally. His work is currently in Phantom Sightings, the traveling exhibition organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
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8th Annual Auction & Gala
September 26, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
Gemini G.E.L.
8365 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
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THE WILLIAM H JOHNSON FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
6022 Wilshire Blvd, #200
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323 931-3744
323 931-3751 fax