The third annual Jackson Hole Art Auction was conducted September 19 at the Center for the Arts. Hosted by Trailside Galleries and Gerald Peters Gallery, the sale offered past and present Masters of American West. More than 76 percent of the featured 235 lots sold, realizing just under $6 million in sales.
As the auction got under way at 1 pm, more than 300 people filled the seats in the auditorium, with some 185 registered bidders. Phone bidding was very active, with close to 200 phone bids and 50 absentee bids.
In just its third year, the Jackson Hole Art Auction has clearly distinguished itself as a destination event, with collectors coming from more than 30 states, as well as international collectors from Germany, Peru and Switzerland.
The live audience broke into enthusiastic applause when Bob Kuhn’s painting “Like the Down of a Thistle †Red Fox,” estimated at $75/100,000, sold for an astonishing $299,000. Other highlights included the Oscar Berninghaus painting, “Short Cut,” which sold for $431,250, and Albert Bierstadt’s “Study for the Buffalo Trail,” which fetched $172,500.
Contemporary Western and wildlife artists also brought very active and strong bidding. Ken Riley’s “Tales of the Medicine Bag” sold for $126,500, and Z.S. Liang’s painting “Red Rock Crossing,” brought $115,000. Additional highlights included the G. Harvey painting, “The Flower Shop,” which sold for $143,750, and Morgan Weistling’s “Coffee Break,” which brought $51,750.
While the economic recession was of concern to the auction organizers, the event drew solid support from both local and visiting collectors, a sure sign that art enthusiasts are still looking to invest in quality works of art, according to the auctioneers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Center for the Arts.
Prices reported include the buyer’s premium. For information, www.jacksonholeartauction.com or 866-549-9278.
