Gavel Comes Down on Art Auction

The “5X5: An Invitational” raised more than $26,000 in the first online auction at the Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art. About 150 people purchased art during the unique show. The piece, “Learn to Draw,” by John Baldessari, an internationally known conceptual artist raised $2,505. “Snacks in the Balance,” a pre-study painting by Scott Fraser, brought $1,000 to the museum. The funds will be used on the museums next event, “Dias de Mexico: A Family Festival.” The festival is Saturday, March 24, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “Thanks to the support we received for the auction, the festival will be a free community event, celebrating the vibrant culture of Mexico,” says Chris Rupp, museum collection manager. The festival will be a day of fun activities, crafts, music, dance, storytelling, food and more.