Art for a Purpose starts summer June 21 with first show of season
Art for a Purpose is having its first show of the summer and offers a number of new and very interesting acquisitions for sale. The new works include two by Dali - “Two Nudes” and “Nudes on Horseback” - that are artist proof etchings signed in pencil by the artist, and a large (19 inches wide by 16 inches high by 9 inches deep) bronze sculpture titled “Mountain Ghost: The Bronze” by Chinese artist Jiang Tie-Feng. All three of these works come with certificates of authenticity.
The public is invited to an opening gala from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, when 100 percent of all sales will benefit nonprofits throughout Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and in as many as six other states. In addition to the donors’ recommended nonprofits receiving benefit from the sales, for this reception, 10 percent of each purchase price will go to the charity of the purchaser’s choosing.
The gallery has six more new works and over 100 other selections including beautiful antique oils and tranquil seashore scenes of boats in and out of the water; dainty vases, playful giraffe sculptures, an unusual lighted luminaire sculpture by Erté, or even a beautiful rendition of a languid woman in belle époque attire by famed Brazilian artist Guilherme de Faria.
Art for a Purpose opened its doors with the unique mission of bringing art and philanthropy together. The nonprofit organization accepts works of art directly from donors, sells the art, and then distributes proceeds of the sales directly to charitable organizations for their unrestricted use. Midge Smith, gallery director, says, “It’s very rewarding to operate as a conduit for artwork to change hands, be enjoyed by new owners, and to direct the proceeds to organizations doing good work in our communities.” So far, more than 16 organizations in six states have benefited from gallery sales.
The gallery is inside the Lewes office of Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty at 102 Savannah Road. “We are so grateful for the full support of Kathleen Schell, Justin Healy, and the great folks at Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty,” said Smith. “They have been continuous supporters of the gallery from the beginning, and the gallery would not be open now were it not for their willingness to make their entire office and boardroom available to showcase the gallery’s art.”
Some pieces have been reduced by more than 80 percent to make room for future acquisitions. Join Smith at the reception on June 21 or come for a self-guided tour at any time. The Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday.
To learn more, email midge@artforapurpose.org or call 302-245-4528. For more information about Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty, phone 302-827-2821 or visit oasir.net.
