SculptureCenter’s annual fundraising event, Lucky Draw 2010. All images via SculptureCenter.
AO was on site for Lucky Draw 2010, a spirited annual benefit thrown by SculptureCenter to raise money for its exhibition program. This year’s event set a new record for the highest gross, bringing in over $120,000 to the non-for-profit arts institution located in Long Island City, New York.
Volunteers moving a work by Kerstin Brätsch and Adele Röder (DAS INSTITUT)
On April 13, 2010, as ticket holders surveyed the offerings and made lists of their top picks, no one seemed to worry that the event’s unlucky date would disturb anyone’s luck. The room was abuzz with excitement: unlike most art auctions, in this event the order in which the artworks are selected is determined by a lively and suspenseful random drawing. The ticket price, at $450 a head, draws both novice and experienced collectors.
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SculptureCenter Executive Director Mary Ceruti with artist Robert Melee, who contributed work to the event.
SC Operations Manager Katie Bode draws the first name from the wheel.
The crowd quieted as the evening’s proceedings began. Unlike the majority of the drawing, which is random, the first three picks go to bid for those who don’t quite trust their luck. SculptureCenter Trustee Sascha Bauer bid first, taking home a painting by Wayde Guyton. Adam Cohen bid second, securing an Ugo Rondinone, and Abby Hirschorn and Andreas Bertoutsos went home with a piece by Robert Melee.
SC trustee Lowell Pettit leads the auction.
Out of approximately 150 artists who donate works, artists Virginia Overton, Kelley Walker, Fred Wilson, and Robert Melee were all in attendance. To show their support of the institution, these four artists purchased tickets and donated highly desirable works. Among others who donated work were Vito Acconci, Louise Bourgeois, Rachel Harrison, Marianne Vitale, Mark Dion, Dan Graham, Richard Serra, Ugo Rondinone, Rachel Owens, Tom Otterness, and Ryan McGinness. A full list can be viewed on SculptureCenter’s site.
Founded by artists in 1928, SculptureCenter is a not-for-profit arts institution dedicated to experimental and innovative developments in contemporary sculpture. SculptureCenter commissions new work and presents exhibits by emerging and established, national and international artists.
Donating artists Fred Wilson and Xaviera Simmons
A ticket holder checks out the offerings and makes a list of her preferred picks.
Artists Steve Henry and Kelley Walker
Collector Jill Kraus and son, Jason Kraus
Gallerist Samantha Tsao and artist Virginia Overton
Ticket holders Justine Fisher and Jemilah Afshar
Collectors Abby Hirshorn and Andreas Beroutsos, who took home a Robert Melee
Maxwell Graham and friend with SculptureCenter curator Fionn Meade
Diane Ackerman, Stephanie Ingrassia, and Cristina Delgado
Scott Rothkopf, Jason Kraus, and Adam Cohen
Artist Maximilliano Ferro with friends in front of his piece “Shipping Painting”
– J. Lindblad
