Utica, NY---On Saturday, September 22, 2012 art appreciators, collectors and all who enjoy a fabulous party are invited to the 23rd Annual CHAIRity Art Auction at Sculpture Space, in Utica. Chaired by Susan D. Kernan, the signature event offers a creative silent auction and also the opportunity to bid on art in the form of chairs and other artworks created by prominent regional, national and international artists. All profits from the evening support Sculpture Space’s acclaimed international residency program for sculptors from throughout the nation and the world— one of the only programs of its kind in North America.  The event is held in the Sculpture Space studio, 12 Gates Street, just off Whitesboro Street on the edge of the Historic Brewery District.

The popular extravaganza features inventively altered, embellished or deconstructed chairs and other furniture, original artisan-crafted chairs, drawings, paintings and other artworks. The event begins with a preview of auction items from 4 to 6 p.m. and complimentary hors d’oeuvres donated by the area’s leading restaurants and caterers. There will be a cash bar. Festivities include a 50/50 drawing, surprise entertainment and a silent auction, which offers items and services donated by a rich array of local businesses. The live auction will, for the second time, be conducted by auctioneer extraordinaire June DeLair from 6 to 8 p.m. A Grand Finale door prize drawing marks the end of the festivities—a weekend in Lake Placid goes to the lucky winners (must be present at end of the evening to win!)

The live auction includes internationally renowned artists such as the globally recognized artists Christo and the late Jeanne Claude, and alumni artists such as Daniel Buckingham, Katarina Isaksson, Ann Reichlin and Vered Sivan. Local artists are equally generous and outstanding, such as Joel Grimaldi--- four-time winner of the Mayor’s Award, Suzanne Firsching, the late Ed Christiana, Steven Specht, Eric Reece and Christine Tisa. This year’s Mayor’s Award winner is Christo. New this year, we are introducing the President’s Award for the highest selling chair, which goes to Richard Mulvihill of Hubbell Galvanizing. Significant among the auction items will be the Earth Day Collection, sculptures by area artists and Sculpture Space alum including Keith Lemley created entirely from repurposed materials donated by Empire Recycling.

Many of the artworks will be featured on the website at least two weeks prior to the event. Collectors may register bids with the office for items on the website, and will be assigned a designated personal bidder to bid on their behalf if they cannot attend CHAIRity.

CHAIRity is Sculpture Space’s main annual fundraiser. Admission includes live entertainment, an array of hors d’oeuvres donated by local restaurants and entertainment extraordinaire. The cost is $35 before the event or $45 at the door. Patron and Donor tickets are also available at $50 and $100 each with additional benefits. To make reservations in advance please contact 315-724-8381 or e-mailing info@sculpturespace.org. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketderby.com.