Minerva after fundraising auction art for L’Aquila (Magdalena&Blandine)
by magda on Jul.09, 2009, under FUNDRAISING ART-AUCTION FOR L'AQUILA AND HAITI
The Art Project Minerva, created by respected London-based artists Blandine Martin and Magdalena Rutkowska, has raise nearly £5000 through an organised auction of artwork at the Italian Institute of Culture in London Belgravia.
The purpose of the auction was to raise money to assist in the renovation of one of the most famous churches of the L’Aquila region, “Di Santa Maria del Suffragio”.
Many churches and buildings in the medieval city of L’Aquila were destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 6 April 2009 causing incalculable damage to Italy’s culture heritage. The dome of the Santa Maria del Suffragio cracked open, exposing the delicate gold patterns inside.
The auction on 2 July 2009 featured work donated by artists from L’Aquila and internationally and was supported by Italian Institute of culture,ArteLaguna Prize,The Knaypa,Sam Flowers and many other institutions. The auction was run by Bloomsbury Auction House. There were around 300 hundred guests, many of whom took advantage of the opportunity to buy work at a fraction of its usual price and by doing so helped to boost the total raised.
“Our auction was a great success,” said Magdalena and Blandine. “We have had an overwhelming response from people keen to help, from artists donating their work and buyers attending the event.
“At the moment we are working on preparation for the next event which will take place in Venice, followed by a similar event in Paris and possibly New York. We strongly believe that with the kind support we have enjoyed so far we will be able to provide help to restore the Di Santa Maria Del Suffragio church, an important symbol of art and culture for many generations in L’Aquila.”
The guests attending the 2 July auction included:
Roberto Schneider-press corespondent Italian embassy
Rossana Pittelli-art expert Italian Institute
Lord Simon Clanmorris
Cindy Jackson
Lady Belhaven&Stenton
Polish Consul Jakub Zaborowski
Barbara Taylor
Sally and Gary Barton’s
Teresa Potocka
Jenifer Mohsen
Raffaella Quieti Cartledge-London correspondent for Abruzzo Economia
Alice Castle-local news
Piotr Gulbicki-Polish Dziennik
Lieutenant from Embassy of Angola
Kulvinder Ghir actor and comedian
Michele Celeste poet and play writer
Jack Vettriano popular artist
British,Italian,Polish press representatives
and many many others..
July 9th, 2009 on 1:03 pm
I came to the evening of the auction and I would like to congratulate Minerva Art project. It was a great night with a fab atmosphere. Magdalena and Blandine were very welcoming and did they best all through the evening to attend to everyone, well done and keep up with the good work, Laura.
July 9th, 2009 on 1:05 pm
Well done to both the girls!! I also came with my wife, and was amazed how quickly they managed to get the exhibition up and running I am sure the next one will be also a great success, if not better…
sincerely
July 9th, 2009 on 3:54 pm
thanks for your kind comments!
from me and Blandine
July 10th, 2009 on 8:41 am
Congratulations to you Magdalena and Blandine on a successful evening and all the best for Venice and Paris.
July 10th, 2009 on 8:56 am
hi Michael,thanks.it was fantastic evening but very hard work and we both really feel like we need a break away..
but it was worth it.somebody nearly bought your print,but(I have no idea how)the person changed her mind and swap it for something different.I am so sorry I know it is not right because somebody else was bidding and this person would probably buy your print and be happy with that.
I know the swaping should be not alowed sorry didn’t know it happen.Any how still got your work and I will put it on next auction.Also I will send you the official certificate saying “thank you” just give me few more days to sort things out
all the best for now
July 10th, 2009 on 9:09 am
I really appreciate all your hard work. I do hope you get some time to relax and re-charge the batteries.
Regarding the print – I guess these things happen but perhaps someone will buy it at the next event and raise a little more money for the good cause. If you would like to and think it fitting then please also auction Mother Earth painting as it should go to a good cause.
July 10th, 2009 on 4:17 pm
Magda!
Gratulacje. Aukcja udana. Mam nadzieję że na nastepnej zgromadzicie wiecej funduszy na odbudowe zabytku. A uczestnicy okaza sie hojniejsi. A Ty i Blandine bedziecie jeszcze bardziej zadowolone i docenione.
June 8th, 2010 on 12:59 am
Love the blog. I’ve been building auctions for small businesses for months now and carrying out pretty well… Lucky I found this place.
June 12th, 2010 on 9:37 am
Thanks for an interesting article. After looking through different websites I finally found something worth reading.