Metropolitan Opera Holds "Art For Opera" Auction

The auction will feature works-many created exclusively for the occasion-by the following acclaimed artists: John Chamberlain, Chuck Close, George Condo, Barnaby Furnas, William Kentridge, Guillermo Kuitca, Richard Prince, David Salle, Cindy Sherman, Sophie von Hellerman, William Wegman, and Robert Wilson. "Art for Opera" is organized by The Arnold & Marie Schwartz Gallery Met director Dodie Kazanjian. Jamie Niven, Vice-Chairman of Sotheby's, will serve as guest auctioneer, and Susan Braddock, Donna Rosen, and Ms. Kazanjian will serve as Chairmen of the event.

All of the original works of art to be auctioned are inspired by opera, including two separate portraits of renowned soprano Renée Fleming by Chuck Close and Robert Wilson. All of the pieces will be on view to the public in Gallery Met from April 27 through May 2.

"We're very grateful to the artists who are participating," said Met General Manager Peter Gelb. "Our art form is enriched by their support."

"This auction is another example of the amazing generosity and interest on the part of contemporary artists towards the Met's exciting new program," said Ms. Kazanjian. "In this era of increasing cross-pollination among all the arts, we are especially grateful to this group of artists, and to their dealers, for being so supportive of the Met's initiative." -- www.metoperafamily.org