Art auction features pieces by faculty, alumni and students

The Department of Art and Art History is resurrecting its annual art auction following an eight-year hiatus, and has scheduled this year’s auction for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 in the DiStefano Lecture Hall.

Works up for bid will include original drawings, paintings, illustrations, photographs, prints and ceramic pieces by Salve Regina faculty, alumni and students.

Proceeds from the auction will help fund a bus trip for art students to New York City. “In the past, these trips have provided students with a vital, firsthand experience that is otherwise impossible to replicate in any other way,” said Gerry Perrino, associate professor of art.

A percentage of the proceeds will also help to replenish the Bleeke-Byrne Scholarship Fund. This scholarship honors the late art history professor Gabrielle Bleeke-Byrne and was created shortly after her untimely death in 2000. Over the past 16 years, the fund has helped a number of students travel to view art and architecture in person.

“If you are a lover of visual art, have empty wall space in your home and want to help a great cause, this is something you’ll want to attend,” Perrino said. “Many bargains are to be had at the auction, including a number of items to be raffled off.”

Cash, checks or credit cards will be accepted. Refreshments will be available. For more information about attending or donating artworks, contact Perrino at (401) 341-3279 or perrinog@salve.edu.