Small Treasures, Visual Aid's Spring Art Auction keeps art alive April 23, 2009

Marking its 20th year of keeping art alive, Visual Aid will hold its annual Small Treasures benefit art auction on Thursday, April 23, hosted by Chronicle Books. The eagerly-anticipated event will feature artwork donated by prestigious local galleries and well-known artists including David Maisel, Linda Connor, Debra Bloomfield and Rex Ray (artists whose works have recently been celebrated in books published by Chronicle Books). During the auction preview, Ray will sign copies of his new book Rex Ray, Art + Design.

A champagne preview party to celebrate the esteemed nonprofit's 20th anniversary will start off the evening, complete with light hors d'oeuvres and a wine and chocolate tasting bar. The bar has been stocked with delectable sweets from Tcho, Leonidas Chocolates, Schoggi Imported Swiss Chocolates, Cafe Madeleine and Jasmine Rae Bakery and fine wines from Coturri Winery, Frey Vineyard, Quady Winery and others.

Celebrity auctioneer Stephen Tourell will have the audience on the edge of their seats as he presides over an exciting live art auction. Work from such artists as Christo, Shepard Fairey, Ross Bleckner, Jock Sturges, Gary Brewer, Martine Jardel, Robin Denevan, Tim Yankosky, Jose Arenas, Mimi Plumb, Leslie Lusardi and galleries including Toomey Tourell Fine Art, Gallery Paule Anglim, Bucheon, Catharine Clark Gallery, Mark Wolfe Contemporary Art, Paulson Press, Hang Art and many more will be featured in the live and concurrent silent auction.

The live and silent auctions will include 75+ art, vacation stays, jewelry and affordable luxury items from Hotel Palomar, Jeanine Payer, Foreign Cinema, St. Dizier Design, Postrio, Club Nautique, diPietro Todd Salon and Tecknion. Sterling Art Services, Anthony Meier Fine Art, Obsello, Zipcar, CRPR, Kirkeby Framing, Clubcard, FastFrame and Under Glass are sponsors. Zubio Massage will give massages to the first 35 people to purchase tickets to the auction.

Proceeds benefit Visual Aid's programs.

$50 at the door, visit http://www.visualaid.org for specially-priced tickets available online.

Official Website: http://www.visualaid.org