Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House Raise $21,300 for Local Arts Education
Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House raised $21,300 during a recent event to support arts education in local schools and the Edward Hopper House in Nyack.
The Oct. 15 benefit drew 145 attendees and featured an online and live auction of several items, notably the opportunity to spend a night in Edward Hopper’s bedroom as reimagined by Architectural Digest’s featured designer Ernest de la Torre and architect Walter Cain, with dinner and breakfast for two included. While new bedding was used, Hopper’s original headboard and frame were placed in the room, as were one of his easels and three distinct settings derived directly from Hopper’s work.
The event’s Auction for a Cause will benefit arts education in Hudson Valley public schools. Guest speakers included Richard Kendall, art historian and former curator at the Clark Art Institute, and Randy Williams, Manhattanville College professor and artist. The live auction was conducted by special guest magician and auctioneer Benjamin Levy, whose many accomplishments include performing at President Obama’s 50th birthday celebration.
Guests bid on the opportunity to attend a Nov. 20 brunch reception for 10 guests celebrating the American Art sale at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York that will feature a specialist-led tour of the exhibition. Attendees also heard from two local art students who spoke about their work and what art has meant in their lives. A silent auction featured several works of art from local artists as well as a guided tour of homes and sites painted by Edward Hopper.
“I’m very happy with the results of our benefit to raise funds and awareness to provide art education in public schools and support the Edward Hopper House,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “It was a holistic experience, as we accomplished our mission and created a synergy between our agents and agents from the Sotheby’s International Realty Manhattan Brokerage and the Hopper House staff.
“Working for the same meaningful cause builds trust and relationships. The most touching moment was hearing a local high school student speak about how art classes helped him build confidence, friendships and self-esteem. This truly reinforces the importance of our mission. We hope to make this event an annual benefit to build awareness and support for children and teenagers and their arts education needs.”
The fundraiser was held at Glen Iris on the Hudson River, home of New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur S. Tompkins during the first half of the last century and, later, Norman Rose, the late actor best known as the voice of fictitious coffee grower Juan Valdez in Colombian coffee television commercials. The 8,200 square foot, move-in-ready home currently is listed with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.495 million.
“This event single-handedly will enable us to start arts education partnerships in Nyack and the surrounding public schools,” said Jennifer Patton EdD, executive director of Edward Hopper House. “Thanks to the monies raised at this event, we can begin using Edward Hopper-based curriculum in these schools. We also will be able to use studio space in the Edward Hopper House for hands-on projects when students visit. It is business and nonprofit partnerships like this that make the most tremendous difference in a community. Now we can meet the needs of classroom and art teachers, integrating art to create interdisciplinary curriculum.”
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