On Saturday, February 16, 2008, Laguna Art Museum presented Auction 100—featuring works from premiere Southern California artists.

This year’s Auction was created, in part, to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the founding of the Laguna Beach Art Association—the oldest cultural institution in Orange County. As a nod to the cultural heritage and pioneering artists of Laguna Beach, the work featured in this year’s auction was chosen to represent some of the finest artists in Southern California today. 

Not only was the quality of this year’s work astounding, but the Museum itself looked beautiful. Due to a generous gift from the Thiebaud family, Laguna Art Museum was able to complete the installation of bamboo flooring throughout the main and upper level galleries. The works of art were perfectly accentuated by the vibrant light reflected off of the new, bright, flooring.Shortly after 6:00 p.m., guests began to arrive and enjoyed a delicious selection of dinner items from Cedar Creek Inn, while drinks were provided by beverage sponsor Absolut 100 Vodka. At 6:30 p.m., director of Laguna Art Museum Bolton Colburn introduced one of the featured paintings of the evening, a 1959 Untitled work by John Altoon. 

Guests continued to enjoy the evening as, one by one, silent auction galleries began to close. The onset of the live auction was drawing near and director Bolton Colburn introduced auctioneer Chuck Dreyer who was assisted by Jacqueline Bunge. The live auction was an energy-filled, exhilarating event. Spirited bidding was had by many Museum members and guests. Art from several different genres were sold—from plein air, to contemporary, to pop; everyone went home with something they loved. 

Appropriately, the Altoon piece was saved for last. Starting the bid at $15,000, Mr. Dreyer would soon call on many interested bidders. Avid art collector and Museum member, Rick Silver, took the prize with the winning bid of $30,000. 

$120,000 worth of art was sold that evening at Laguna Art Museum. Proceeds from the event go to support Museum exhibitions, educational programming, and specific building needs. 

Laguna Art Museum wishes to thank the many people involved in making this event a success: 

Peter Blake Gallery
Sue Greenwood Fine Art
Sam Lee Gallery
The Redfern Gallery
Rohrer Fine Art
SCAPE Gallery, Diane Nelson and Jeannie Denholm
The Surf Gallery
Scott White Contemporary Art
Absolut Vodka
Cedar Creek Inn
Nelson Fine Art Framing
RiechesBaird
The Show Pros Group