Raising approximately $10,000 less than in 2009, the organizers of the 9th annual Great Glass Auction to support the Bay Area Glass Institute are calling it a success with $110,000 in total monies generated by the event. About 110 people attended the auction on February 6th, 2010, in San Jose, California, to raise money for this public-access glass center. The amount raised constitutes one-fourth of the entire annual operating budget of BAGI.
“We had terrific public and patron response at this year’s auction and preview event and we’re very pleased that even in these difficult economic times support for our artistic and educational programs remains strong,” says Steven Aldrich, 2010 auction co-chair, in a prepared statement.
One of the highlight’s of the weekend was the presentation of the Saxe Fellowship, which was chosen by Maureen Littleton, director of the Washington D.C.-based Maurine Littleton Gallery; Micaela Van Zwoll, founder and director of the San Francisco-based Micaela Gallery; and collector Dorothy Saxe of San Francisco, California. The winner, Michael Janis, received a $2,000 cash prize and an invitation to be a visiting artist at BAGI.
“We truly appreciate the efforts of our esteemed jury in selecting Michael Janis,” says Aldrich.
This year’s Jurors’ Choice Awards went to Seattle-based artist Paul Cunningham for his blown glass, incalmo process Oive Flannela Vase; Cupertino, California-based artist Kathleen Elliot for her glass, flameworked and sandblasted piece, Cyclone Expecting (featured on the auction invitation); and Seattle-based artist Ethan Stern for his blown and wheel engraved glass piece, Nana Span.
The 2010 People’s Choice award was, for the first time, given to more than one artist. The vote by all those attending the auction was split straight down the middle between votes for the team of Treg Silkwood and Candace Martin for their piece Nautilus, and those for Randy Strong‘s Blue Orchid.
The People’s Choice award winners will share the $1,000 cash award.