The Fun of a Live Art Auction at USC Columbia SC

Coffee Series II

by 

Jean Bourque

USC held it's first art auction as 

The School of Visual Arts and Design

last night at the 

McMaster Gallery

Although, it was the first for the newly titled School of Visual Arts and Design, it was the 60th art auction held at USC's McMaster Gallery. Approximately 60 pieces were up for auction and all were sold by 930 pm. There were pieces from renowned artists such as Mana Hewitt, Virginia Scotchie, Mary Robinson, Steven Hewitt and Shannon Lindsey as well as pieces from alumni like Tommie Toner and students like myself and many others. I volunteered for the auction and had a great time. I saw people that I hadn't seen in a while like the wonderful Sylvia Ady Potts, with whom I had been in art shows with in the past. 

Three auctioneers took their turn at the microphone and you could feel the excitement in the air. There were many lovely works of pottery, ceramic, lots of paintings and a few wood works. 

It was fun seeing how the bidding would go from one person to another and back again, and every now and then some one would suddenly bid out of no where. It kept it very interesting.

I was fortunate enough to meet the buyers of my artwork and they were genuinely pleased with their purchase. That is what it's all about, knowing someone loves your art. Plus, since this was a fundraiser for USC's gallery and for the scholarship fund, it was a fun way to give back to the school that I have been enjoying all year and plan to enjoy for many years to come. It was also very educational as I got to see work by many faculty members and get a feel for what they do. 

Robert Lyon submitted Last Vessel at USC #1 and #2 both created in a wood turning process. The titles given reflect that Mr Lyon will be leaving USC after 18 years. He will truly be missed. I was looking forward to having one of his classes. Had I know he would be leaving, I would have taken the class this year!

The highest selling pieces were by Mana Hewitt and another high seller was by Rob Shaw. 

Mana's piece was a landscape so smooth and shiny and perfectly presented; it felt real. Rob's piece was an impressionistic landscape of the Gervais St bridge, beautifully rendered, in lively colors and thick impasto style paint. 

It was fun. I look forward to volunteering next year and perhaps even making a purchase. 

Yours Truly,

Jeanee