Pet Art 8, benefitting Paws/LA was held at the Avalon in Hollywood on Sunday. Having had a really frustrating time at last year's function I wondered if I would contribute again. I think they knew something was wrong last year too - the venue was too big, there was no liquor, no party music, etc.
With the help of Shag's theme on the invite this year- Whisker A Go-Go, the joint was jumping with high hair-dos and go-go boots, go-go dancers, guests playing twister and most importantly - high bidders, thanks in part to having the liquor sponsors back.
There were dozens and dozens of pieces in the silent auction and I'm happy to say that my piece got seven bids before the final bell. Ed Ruscha, who was receiving an award as the honored guest, was humbled and not surprisingly his donated piece in the live auction was the big ticket item. It pays to have the artist there.
A portrait sitting with Greg Gorman (with one print) was valued at $20,000 and I was too stunned by that to take note of what it went for, but here are some of the biggies...
Shag serigraph, Market Value $500, sold at $850
Robbie Conal print, MV $1000, sold at $700
Laddie John Dill cement, mineral 60 x 24 thing, MV $6500, sold at $1700!!!
Andy Warhol signature & Liz Taylor print, MV $1000, sold at $1800
Wegman pigment print, MV $800, sold at $1250
Pablo Picasso repro giclee print, MV $1200, sold at $3000
Rodrigue, Blue Dog Katrina Silkscreen, MV $2200, sold at $2000
Rauschenberg pigmented digital print, MV $3000, sold at $2700
and last but not least,
Ruscha silkscreen, MV $6000, sold at $7000
Click here for Pet Art Photos, 2006
I've learned that contributing things that have nothing to do with pets go over better than some that do. However, there were several macro portraits of dog noses that were popular and I know I have just the one for next year's contribution. And maybe I'll donate a couple pieces, because Pets Are Wondeful Support.