Upcoming sales paint a pretty picture
Welcome to the art of the auction deal, as paintings dominate the bidding this week with big sales at Regent Square's Concept Art Gallery and a special benefit event in Ligonier sponsored by the Loyalhanna Watershed Association.
Concept Art Gallery
Lithuanian-born painter and Pittsburgh transplant Aaron Gorson caught the Steel City in his majestic nocturnal oil landscapes that captured the stark contrast of the blazing mill fires against the nearly pitch-black skies. Although he left the city to work in Manhattan, the one-time clothing factory machine operator created a legacy of work that still defines his career. This week, four of his elegant paintings are among the many highlights at Concept Art Gallery's Saturday auction in Regent Square.
"It's getting more unusual to find so many pieces with regional ties these days, because they are becoming more scarce on the market -- especially during the past five to 10 years," Concept owner Sam Berkowitz says. "To have four quality Gorsons at one time is even more uncommon."
Highly sought after by steel executives, his paintings frequently ended up and remained in families with long connections to the business, as is the case with "Steel-Making Nocturne," which Berkowitz describes as "a compositional gem." With estimates ranging from $6,000 to $45,000, these masterpieces are for serious collectors.
"No one else had his vision," Berkowitz says. "Gorson is the single most important artist at rendering the glory of the industrial scene. He was completely dedicated and immersed with mill work."
Those with a more modest budget will want to raise their hands for more than a dozen works by George Hetzel and Lila Hetzel, daughter of the renowned founder of the Scalp Level school of painters.
"Lila is an interesting figure who is often overshadowed by her illustrious father," Berkowitz says. "Along with Gorson, she was one of the founders of the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and was prominent in the local art scene for years."
As might be expected, the senior Hetzel is represented by sweeping landscapes, while the daughter's work reveals a more interior view, with paintings of domestic still lifes within her home. Hetzel estimates run from $500 to $15,000.
Always a favorite, Samuel Rosenberg makes an appearance with a Schenley Park landscape that Berkowitz describes as "Matisse-an" in its colorings and composition. The inviting and warm oil-on-canvas explodes with splashes of orange, pink and red as couples and families enjoy the surroundings. The auction includes Rosenberg's pencil sketches and initial color version of the painting.
Overall, the sale includes 404 lots of paintings, ceramics, furniture and more by notables such as Andy Warhol, the Rev. Howard Finster, Blanche Lazzell, Robert Qualters, Austin Wooster and Paul Jenkins.
Saturday's sale starts at 10 a.m., with previews Wednesday through Friday starting at 10 a.m., at 1031 S. Braddock Ave., Regent Square. Details: 412-242-9200 or www.conceptgallery.com .
Loyalhanna Watershed Association
"Scenes of the Ligonier Valley" sets the theme for Loyalhanna Watershed Association's 21st annual fund-raiser that benefits preservation and environmental-protection efforts in the region. Based in Ligonier, the association oversees the protection of 298 square miles of land and 2,500 miles of streams in Westmoreland County. But there's no need for us to paint a picture here, as eight local artists are contributing to the auction works that capture the area's splendid scenery.
Of special note is featured artist Charles Fagan, whose portrait of Barbara Bush graces the hallways of the White House. Well represented in the nation's capital, Fagan's pieces in D.C. include three figural works for the National Cathedral. Showing a presidential side, he's also sculpted an 8-foot-tall bust of former chief executives George Bush and Ronald Reagan.
Other participating artists are Larry Barth, E.H. Klink, Rita Haldeman, Walter Matia, Joe Mattock and Charles Pitcher.
Along with the auction, conducted by the Royal York's Bob Simon, the event includes a cocktail reception, preview and dinner, starting at 6 p.m. Friday. Details: 724-238-7560.
Fair Warning
J.S. Dill Auctions: Talk about an auctioneer's dream. Saturday's on-site estate sale at a Beaver Falls home includes this note from J.S. Dill owner Jack Dill: "Nothing has been removed by the family." Even in the best of scenarios, relatives often a pluck a few plum pickings for themselves before a sale. In the worst cases, family members strip the scene of nearly everything valuable. So, this untouched gem is worth noting, especially with an incredible selection of furniture. Also on the block is the home itself.
The following Thursday, the Dill crew returns to its base for a Nov. 10 sale of home-style furnishings and more at 2341 Evans City Road, Zelienople. Details: 724-453-0853 or 412-362-9001 or www.jsdillauctions.com .
Three Rivers Auction Company: This Sunday's sale features an amazingly long oak banquet table that opens to 19 feet. Whether you're serving a Thanksgiving feast for 20 or landing small aircraft, this exquisitely large creation needs plenty of space to live up to its potential. Previews start at 11 a.m. for the noon sale, at the corner of West Beau and Washington streets, Washington, Pa. Details: 724-222-8020 or www.3riversauction.com .
