The red carpet was rolled out for the 2008 Patron Party at the Bellevue Arts Museum and Westin Bellevue. With a tradition that dates back to 1953, the ArtsFair preview party brings collectors, artists and community members together for an evening of giving back.
Over the years, the Patron Party has taken on a life of its own, growing from a intimate gathering to a full-fledged auction and cocktail party. This year’s event attracted 340 attendees and raised an estimated $388,000 benefiting the Bellevue Arts Museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.
At the start of the evening, guests were given the opportunity to bid on a wide array of art as part of the silent auction that took place at the museum.
Following the silent auction, guests were ushered across the red carpet to the Westin Bellevue. The live auction portion of the evening was led by Kip Toner, a premier benefit auctioneer and was emceed by Connie Marshall, former Bellevue mayor.
Prior to the live auction and dinner, guests mingled with some of the artists and viewed the work of Cappy Thompson, Ron Ho, Anna Skibska, Dante Marioni and many more. A collection of 25 exclusive items were featured during the live auction.
Seattle-based Artist Sherri Markovitz was one of the artists who donated art to the Patron Party live auction in an effort to help raise funds for the museum. Her current exhibit titled, Sherry Markovitz: Shimmer, Paintings and Sculpture 1979- 2007 is on view at the museum.
“It has been a fabulous experience having an exhibit at the Bellevue Arts Museum,” said Markovitz, whose work is known all over the world.
Her donated piece, titled Red Rose, was claimed with a bid of $3,700 during the live auction.
The honorary co-chairs for the 2008 Patron Party were Rebecca and Jack Benaroya, two strong supporters of visual and performing arts in the community. Special honorees were Norma and Leonard Klorfine.
The evening also included the presentation of the Carol Duke Artist Awards of Excellence to 10 outstanding artists participating in the 2008 Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair. Tiffany & Co., one of the Patron Party sponsors, presented the awards. Other sponsors included Barrier Porsche, Davis Wright Temaine LLP and GLY Construction.
Artist Steve Jensen donated a hand-carved, naturally-felled cedar tree to the live auction, titled Island Carving.
“When Michael Monroe asked me to donate a piece of work to the auction I agreed because, lets face it,” Jensen joked, “You don’t say no to Michael Monroe.
The sculptural work had an asking value of $8,000. Kemper Freeman Jr. won the bidding war that ensued at $16,000 with plans to place the artwork outside of the museum.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at llarin@reporternewspapers.com or at 425-453-4602.
