Heart Supplies Annual Auction Benefits Museum
People who love art, who love diversity, or who just plain love love can feast on all three during Cheney Cowles Museum’s annual “Works of Heart” exhibition and auction.
More than 70 painters, sculptors, photographers, potters and fiber artists from Seattle to Bozeman contributed to the 11th edition of this offbeat fund-raiser.
The show opens today and continues for two weeks, during which patrons can write bids beneath their favorite piece. Live bidding occurs from 5:30-10 p.m. Feb. 10 during a dinner party hosted by the museum and auctioneer Jeff Owens.
Among this year’s entries is a whimsical metal silhouette of “Cupid’s Randy Cousin, Sid” conjured by John Jankovsky.
Harold Balazs may have had Snow White’s stepmother in mind when he made “Fruits of Love,” an ornate wall mirror festooned with an apple, pear, cherries, pomegranate … and a snake.
Then there’s Ken Yukasz’ mixmedia art - neon heart and Dirt Devil vacuum - titled “The Devil Made Me Do It.”
On a more romantic note, Montana woodworker Richard Penziner’s walnut and maple “Treasure Box” would provide a lovely niche for the delicate sterling silver necklace and earrings by local jewelry artist Gay Gardner.
Or how about a little catharsis? Ken Spiering’s cartoonish “Heartbreak Homestead” porcelain enamel is a departure from his usual elaborately detailed paintings.
“I think I’m at a turning point in my career,” explains Spiering. “I used to be fascinated with the how-to process - drawing or sculpting things I saw as well as I could.
“Now I’m starting to feel real fulfillment by just assuming I have enough technique, and letting some of this imagery that has built up start coming out.”
During the past decade, donations by Spiering and others have helped “Works of Heart” earn almost $150,000 for the museum’s art acquisition fund. this year’s receipts will go toward retiring the $60,000 debt still owed on Ed Kienholz’s tableau, “The Jesus Corner.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 3 Color Photos
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: TICKETS Tickets to the Feb. 10 auction are $30 for members, $35 others. Call the museum at 456-3931 for reservations.