Live Auction

1. Matt Moulthrop Turned wood bowl of ash maple Woodworking at its best. Included in the Smithsonian’s exhibit of “Forty under Forty,” Moulthrop’s work also has been featured in Robb Report, Southern Living and Antiques magazines. He is the third generation of his family to become a woodworker; grandfather Ed Moulthrop did much to establish this craft as art, and father Philip and son Matt continue the tradition. Measures 13” h. x 16” w. RETAIL VALUE: $4,500 Offered by Matt Moulthrop
2. Alice Ballard Ceramic Tryptych Composed of three red earthenware wall platters the artist calls a “trio of garden impressions.” Lenten roses herald winter’s shift to spring, ferns signal summer’s start, and water lilies bask in mid-summer’s sunshine. For decorative use only. These artworks range in size from 22” to 24”. RETAIL VALUE: $2,925 Offered by Alice Ballard
3. Wayne Edge “Make Me Closer to You” Woodworking at its best, Memphis artist Wayne Edge’s assemblage of rosewood, driftwood, mussel shells and stones is from David Lusk Gallery. What some see as nature’s litter, Edge collects as treasured elements to include in his work. Size: 54” h. x 18” w. x 6.5” d. RETAIL VALUE: $3,000 Offered by Wayne Edge
4. New Orleans Getaway for Two Two lucky winners will embark on a leisurely two-night trip to New Orleans, a city rich in art, cuisine, music and shopping! The revered Windsor Court Hotel will be your base, where its luxury consistently earns it five-star ratings. Airfare is included by Delta Air Lines, plus you’ll have a local guide — resident Sybil Lawson — who will lead you to the best antiques shops and galleries. RETAIL VALUE: $2,000 Donated by Windsor Court and Sybil Lawson
5. Suzanne Gernandt “A Simple Song” A woven medley of the artist’s experiences. Hand-woven, hand-painted and hand stitched, this work celebrates the joys of the simple life. “This piece represents the melody running through my life, of gardens and birds singing.” Measures 30” h. x 30” w. x 2” d. RETAIL VALUE: $1,500 Offered by Suzanne Gernandt
6. Holly Fisher “Ball and Sticks Table” This hand-forged steel and glass table is by Memphis metal artist Holly Fisher, who is also known as “Anvil Girl.” Fisher is artist-in residence at the Metal Museum, where she continues to perfect her blacksmithing skills. Size: 30” h. x 40” l. x 20” w. RETAIL VALUE: $2,500 Offered by Holly Fisher
7. Murray Johnston “Autumn on the Blue Ridge” A reminder all year long of the vibrant foliage and crisp air of a favorite season in the mountains. “I have often wondered if our conversations float up into the trees then drift back down to us like autumn leaves,” says the artist. This handmade fiber art quilt comes equipped with an aluminum slat encased in a sleeve sewn into the back of the piece, ready for hanging. Approx. 38” x 50” x 1” d. RETAIL VALUE: $3,200 Offered by Murray Johnston
8. Gee’s Bend Quilters “Vegetables and Fruits” This is the pinnacle of the 21st-century’s modern Americana textile art. Handmade by the African-American ladies’ quilting cooperative in Alabama, this quilt will become a family heirloom for succeeding generations to cherish. Size: 60” x 50”. RETAIL VALUE: $5,000 Offered by Gee’s Bend
9. Grand Hotel Point Clear Resort & Spa for Two Couples Balance your time in the mountains with a vacation at the beach! Enjoy a two-night stay at the historic Grand Hotel on picturesque Mobile Bay, Point Clear, AL. The property boasts three golf courses, an enormous swimming pool, tennis courts, three fine dining rooms, fitness center and spa. Also included is a gallery tour with local residents Prissy Wilson and Jolane Edwards to meet artists and have lunch. Valid dates: October 1, 2011–September 20, 2012. RETAIL VALUE: $7,200 Donated by the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Prissy Wilson and Jolane Edwards
10. Frank Fleming “Bird House in Fig Tree” A light-hearted rendition in bronze of a meticulously detailed bird surveying its domain. Sculptor Frank Fleming of Birmingham, AL, is internationally known for his fanciful depictions of animals and plants, with real and imaginary figures often worked into the setting. Watch for Fleming’s next work in Riverwild Garden, a children’s sculpture garden in Decatur, AL. Size: 60” h. x 16” w. x 15” d. RETAIL VALUE: $7,500 Offered by Frank Fleming
11. Brian Boggs “The Lily Chair” Exemplifying the hallmark of furniture craftsmanship. Famous for making some of the finest chairs in the world, Brian Boggs and his Boggs Collective have been crafting traditional as well as contemporary furniture for almost 30 years. Boggs constructed this comfortable chair using Biltmore storm-felled pine with cherry wood legs. Size: 36” h. x 20” w. x 22” d. RETAIL VALUE: $1,500 Offered by Brian Boggs
12. A Mississippi Delta Hunt Supper for Ten The Mississippi Delta, according to David L. Cohn, begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and ends in Catfish Row in Vicksburg. In that somewhat mythical place, hunt suppers were one element of the tradition of gracious hospitality, lending cohesion and convivial pleasure to that sparsely populated and widely dispersed community. The supper will be held at the Baird’s home in Highlands, is authentic in spirit and the food will be similar to that of those earlier suppers. RETAIL VALUE: $1,250 Offered by Helene and Joe Baird, Wine Donated by Jeb Boyd, Tryon Distributing
13. Jim Sams “Pink Lady’s Slipper” Lifelike hand-carved, painted wood sculpture by Kentucky artist Jim Sams. A self taught artist since 1979, Sams aims to capture the fleeting beauty of a vast array of beautiful flowers and foliage. His art has been exhibited in such locations as the Smithsonian Craft Show and Philadelphia Museum of Art. Size: 12”h. x 6” w. x 5” d. RETAIL VALUE: $1,200 Offered by Jim Sams
14. Sonja Blomdahl “Gold/Iris Bowl” Gorgeous blown glass artwork! Bright bands of lush color mark her creations. This Seattle artist’s blown glass is widely exhibited all over the United States in public venues as well as private and corporate collections. “My work has content communicated through color, light, reflection and the vessel form itself,” says Blomdahl. Size: 8” h. x 12” w. x 12” d. RETAIL VALUE: $7,500 Offered by Sonja Blomdahl
15. Gee’s Bend Quilters “Geometric Patterns” This Gee’s Bend Quilt by the famous Alabama ladies’ quilting cooperative is a classic pattern of multi-colored rectangles turned in different directions. Bordered by striking black-and-white checkerboard trim, the quilt is a true American original. Size: 50” w. x 44” h. RETAIL VALUE: $5,000 Offered by Gee’s Bend
16. Ben Owen Ceramic Pot This footed ceramic pot recalls the pure forms of Greek and Roman antiquity. Owen, who has been named a “North Carolina Living Treasure,” has demonstrated his craft in China and Japan. His work is in museums, corporate and private collections, including a commissioned piece in honor of golfer Arnold Palmer’s 80th birthday. See more of Owen’s art at The Bascom exhibit, which runs through December 3rd. RETAIL VALUE: $2,300 Donated by Hathia and Andy Hayes
17. “Touching a Heart Through Art” Paddle Raise Become a patron to children of all ages through your sponsorship of art classes, art appreciation experiences and exhibitions! “Touching a Heart Through Art” is The Bascom’s outreach offering creative interactions with art. Help further our charitable and programming mission by donating to these enrichment activities geared to all ages and stages! RETAIL VALUE: Bidding begins at $10,000
18. Tim Ludwig “Plump Vessel” Florida ceramic artist Tim Ludwig dresses up this functional form with painted surfaces reminiscent of historical botanical prints. “My images come from my own background, life on the farm, and my love for botanical illustrations,” says Ludwig, “I hope to stimulate your mind through ceramic vessels.” RETAIL VALUE: $950 Offered by Tim Ludwig
19. Abaco Vistas, The Bahamas for Four Couples Go tropical in the Caribbean with a trip to the Bahamas! Relax in your own luxury home, “Abaco Vistas,” ideally located on a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the White Sound. Breathtaking 360-degree views survey two private beaches and four private decks. Three levels with four bedrooms, in-suite bathrooms and lots of privacy combine with comfortable furnishings for an exceptional island experience. RETAIL VALUE: $7,400 Donated by Jodi and Gordon Moore
20. Peter Woytuk “Blackbird with Acorn, Apple and Oak Leaves” One of a limited edition of 15 bronze sculptures by Peter Woytuk, represented by The Owings Gallery in Santa Fe, N.M. He is fascinated by various animals, especially birds. “I’ve done some research on them [ravens],” he says. “They spend a good 90 percent of their lives playing because they are so adept at survival.” Size: 13.5” x 14” x 5.5”. RETAIL VALUE: $8,500 Offered by Peter Woytuk
21. David Bergeron “Starry Steam Trunk” Reincarnated from recycled lumber, each reclaimed board carries its own history; many are from New Orleans renovations and the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Bergeron removes the nails, sands and seals each before recycling into furniture and accessories, including picture frames and boxes. Measures 20” h. x 34” w. x 17” l. RETAIL VALUE: $1,500 Offered by David Bergeron
22. John Phillips “Yellin Firetools and Andirons” “Yellin Firetools,” a four-piece set made of forged steel, are complemented by the “Yellin Andirons,” which together transform an ordinary fireplace into extraordinary art. “My admiration for the renowned craftsmen who could transform cold, rigid steel into warm, flowing architectural pieces prompted my start in artist blacksmithing,” says Phillips. Tools measure 33” h. x 10” d. Andirons: 22” h. x 20” w. x 18” d. RETAIL VALUE: $3,950 for the set Offered by John Phillips
23. Philip Moulthrop “Spalted Hackberry Bowl” A true wood art centerpiece crafted by famous Georgia artist Philip Moulthrop. From the aged section of the tree, the normally white wood has spalted, meaning fungus caused darkening of the wood for dramatic contrasts. Measures 11.25” h. x 17” w. RETAIL VALUE: $7,400 Offered by Philip Moulthrop
24. Gee’s Bend Quilters “Little Bit From All” Attention collectors! A Gee’s Bend quilt handmade by the now famous Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective in rural Alabama. It is personally signed by its makers and is possibly the most unique quilt the collective has made. Brought to the world’s attention by a 12-city tour in 2002, including an exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art, NY, Gee’s Bend quilts have been featured in national magazines and on television. Size: 86” x 95”. RETAIL VALUE: $35,000 Offered by Gee’s Bend
25. White Rabbit Botanicals Amazing Twig Chandelier Light up your dinner parties! Crafted of found woodland objects, it includes hornet hives (uninhabited!), willow and other dried twigs. Custom-sized for your location during winter and ready to hang in spring. RETAIL VALUE: $1,700 Offered by White Rabbit Botanicals
26. Charlie Lucas “New Breed” Alabama sculptor Charlie Lucas, a.k.a. “Tin Man,” fashioned “New Breed” from scrap metal, elevating a base material to art. After a back injury disabled him in 1984, Lucas found a new life and career in art. He says both he and his artwork have been recycled. Lucas’ creations can be found in Alabama museums, the New Orleans Museum of Art and in private collections. Approx. 69” h. x 60” w. RETAIL VALUE: $12,000 Offered by Charlie Lucas
27. George Beasley, Iron Sculpture Iron sculpture by widely recognized sculptor George Beasley is a free flowing abstract form suggesting an undulating landscape. Beasley, who made the massive public art monument at Atlanta’s Five Points, is professor of sculpture at Georgia State University. He also has just completed a site specific iron sculpture on The Bascom campus. RETAIL VALUE: $7,000 Donated by Eleanor and Jeb Stewart

Jim Hackney, Auctioneer
A national speaker and trainer, Jim’s passion for art comes from a childhood in Lexington, North Carolina, not far from the potters of Seagrove. Craft has always been the focus of his interest. While a student at Wofford College he built a high-fire reduction kiln as a freshman. As a graduate student at Yale, he spent countless hours in the Yale Art Museums. A noted national speaker and trainer, Jim is on the Council for the Center for the Future of Museums, a think-tank of the American Association of Museums (AAM). A past president of the Art Museum Development Association, and a current executive board member of the Development and Membership Committee of AAM, Jim is a current trustee of the American Craft Council. The foyer table he made in a class taken recently at Penland, is in his home in Atlanta.