$520,000 Raised for Washington Artists of All Disciplines at Artist Trust’s 2019 Benefit Art Auction
Published: April 17, 2019
Categories: Auction | Press Releases
April 17, 2019 – On Saturday, March 30, Artist Trust raised $520,000 at its 2019 Benefit Art Auction. The auction is the organization’s largest, single fundraiser of the year, and the money raised is allocated toward grants and professional development programs benefiting Washington State artists of all disciplines. The theme selected for the evening was “space + time” in recognition of the overwhelming responses from artists when asked the question, “What do you need most to have a thriving creative practice?”
A sold-out crowd of 465 people gathered at Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion to enjoy a seated dinner, deejay set by DJ Sharlese, an improvised musical performance by percussionist Christopher Icasiano and cellist Lori Goldston, a keynote address by theatre artist Valerie Curtis-Newton, and silent and live auctions featuring extraordinary artwork and art experiences. Also featured that evening was an interactive installation by artist RYAN! Feddersen and on-site tintype photography by Daniel Carrillo, appearing courtesy of Greg Kucera Gallery. The auction featured the work of over 100 Washington State artists including Humaira Abid, Gaylen Hansen, Amanda Manitach, Whiting Tennis, and Patti Warashina.
“The Annual Benefit Art Auction is critical to Artist Trust’s ability to serve Washington State artists through project-based funding, merit-based awards, and artist support programming. Thirty percent of our annual income is raised on this special evening and all proceeds benefit the mission of Artist Trust to support individual artists,” said Shannon Halberstadt, Artist Trust CEO.
Artist Trust thanks its event partners including matching sponsor The Klorfine Foundation; presenting sponsor Vulcan; patron sponsors The Boeing Company, Deirdre Doyle Real Estate, and Uncle Harry’s Natural Products; and lead donors Chris and Alida Latham, John and Shari Behnke, and Mattie Iverson. The full list of auction partners and sponsors can be viewed here.
About Artist Trust
Artist Trust is a nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to support and encourage individual artists working in all disciplines in order to enrich community life throughout Washington State. Since its founding in 1986, Artist Trust has invested over $10 million in individual artists through grant programs, and provides a comprehensive suite of professional development training and resources to help artists achieve their career goals. Learn more at artisttrust.org.
