{ Section 700: Art }

{ 700 } Fine Art Photograph
Bring home the artistry of one of our WITNESS teaching artists with this beautiful print from Walter Griffin’s Unique Image Series of Southern Houses and Shacks. This archival silver gelatin photograph is entitled “Florida View” and was taken in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. Walter’s photographs have been exhibited in museums and private collections. Donor(s): Walter Griffin Value: $1,200

{ 701 } Handmade Zulu Baskets
A set of three hand crafted Zulu baskets from South Africa, these are made in traditional patterns from natural materials. Both beautiful and practical, you may use them for display or as a place to store your keepsakes. Donor(s): VocalEssence Board of Directors; Elise Brunelle Value: $155

{ 702 } Watercolor by Birney Quick
Take home a fine watercolor entitled “Loaf and Fishes,” painted in 1971 by one of the region’s most acclaimed artists, Birney Quick. Birney Quick was a faculty member at the Minneapolis School of Art (now MCAD) and founded the Outdoor School of Painting in Grand Marais, Minnesota’s oldest art colony. Donor(s): General Mills Value: $1,000

{ 703 } Rustic Batik with Adinkra Symbols
This remarkable African fabric is made out of 100% hand dyed cotton and has been heat set. The crocodile or “Den Kyem” stamps on the fabric are a symbol of of adaptability. With almost six yards, you can use it to make a garment or to decorate a room! Donor(s): Akosua Addo Value: $70

{ 704 } Original Picasso Etching
Become the owner of an original etching by Pablo Picasso dated 1950. This simple line portrait, signed in reverse by modern history’s greatest artist, will grace any home. The etching includes a certificate of authenticity. Donor(s): Richard and Jeanne Patterson Value: $1,000

{ 705 – 708 top four bidders win}
Gift Certificate to Mhiripiri Gallery
Enjoy a gift certificate of $105 to world-renowned Mhiripiri Gallery, featuring the artistry of Shona stone sculpture from Zimbabwe. [Certificate limited to artist Rex Mhiripiri.] Donor(s): Rex & Julie Mhiripiri Value: $105 (each certificate)

{ 709 } Handcarved Wooden Creatures
Sold alongside almost every main road in the Zulu Kingdom, hand carved wooden animals are found in styles ranging from charmingly naive to breath-taking fine art found in galleries worldwide. These two animal sculptures were carved from Mgenge wood by artisans Widas Ntshali and Sibusio Gumende. Donor(s): VocalEssence Board of Directors; Elise Brunelle Value: $80

{ 710 } Guatemalan Art Textiles
This attractive set of hand woven and embroidered Guatemalan textiles may be worn or displayed as works of art. A little child’s tunic is decorated with brocade in cotton and rayon, with the image of a lion encoded in the brocade. The baby hat, or “gorra” was most likely woven in the Guatemala highlands. A child’s apron is woven and then machine embroidered with amazing skill. Finally, a tzute (pronounced “zoot”) in indigo blue is a utility cloth used to carry various items. Donor(s): Ron and Nikki Lewis Value: $270

{ 711 } Set of White Resin Vases
Hot off the design room floor, this set of two tall white resin vases with black line drawing graphic and high gloss finish will add elegance to any room. Use them in an arrangement or enjoy their simple beauty as stand alone pieces to adorn your home. Donor(s): Walsh Design Group/ID Inside Design Value: $230

{ 712 } Beaded Monkeybiz Doll
This colorful beaded 20-inch doll was handcrafted in South Africa through the Monkeybiz women’s empowerment program. Women participating in this program are provided beads to create beautiful and one-of-a-kind works of art. This particular piece was made in the township of Guguletu and is a one-of-a-kind treasure for your home. Donor(s): Charles and Julie Zelle Value: $150

{ 713 } Rolling Stones Cover Art
Autographed by rock’s most famous bad boys (on the block, not hand-signed) this framed, fine art quality lithograph of the Stones’ Some Girls album cover will take you all the way back to 1978, when Some Girls hit No. 1 on the US and UK charts. A must for those who know “it’s only Rock n’ Roll” but they like it! Donor(s): Dave & Linda Mona Value: $249

{ 714 } Ceramic Sculpture by Erik Steen
This ceramic sculpture is reminiscent of the wind-swept landscapes of the Serengeti. California artist Erik Steen has created works of art for galleries and museums around the world. Donor(s): Erik Steen Value: $650

{ 715 } Hand Crafted Paper Maché Birds
Bring home these charming orange and teal paper maché birds made in Africa. They are an “artistic cross breeding” of two species native to southern Africa, the Hadida Ibis (so named for its distinctive call) and Guinea fowl, recognized by its decorative feathers. Donor(s): VocalEssence Board of Directors; Elise Brunelle Value: $65

{ 716 } Handblown Glass Bowl
You must see this gorgeous one-of-a-kind glass bowl made by glass artist Fred Kaemmer. The bowl is lined with silver leaf that is applied hot and therefore fused to the interior. It will not peel off and is food safe. Be sure to hand wash in lukewarm or cold water; do not use for hot liquids. Donor(s): Fred Kaemmer Value: $650

{ 717 } Monkeybiz Beaded Springbok
This one-of-a-kind beaded Springbok (a species of gazelle native to Nambia, Botswana and South Africa) will be a charming art piece for your home. Through Monkeybiz, a women’s empowerment program in South Africa that supplies richly colored glass beads to women in the township of Cape Town, traditional bead work has helped women sustain themselves and their families. Donor(s): Open Arms of Minnesota Value: $125

{ 718 } Lithograph by Rex Mhiripiri
Rex Mhiripiri is the proprietor of his own gallery and an artist himself. This lithograph reproduction of his acrylic painting is of the well-known Berger Fountain (commonly known as the dandelion) in Loring Park, Minneapolis. The original painting was commissioned by a couple who sat next to the fountain when they got engaged. Donor(s): Mhiripiri Gallery Value: $125

{ 719 } Framed Original Photograph
This exquisite framed digital photo was taken by the talented Diane Schroeder, a singer in the VocalEssence Chorus. Entitled “The Dancer,” the beautiful branches of the staghorn sumac flowers evoke the graceful pose of a dancer. Donor(s): Diane Schroeder Value: $300

{ 720 } Portrait Painting
Delight in an elegantly rendered oil painting portrait in classical or expressionistic style — a priceless work of art for you and your loved ones to enjoy for all time or give as a gift. [Session to be scheduled with the artist.] Donor(s): Bethany Procopio Value: $900

{ 721 } Monkeybiz Beaded Pigs
More Monkeybiz! The Monkeybiz women’s empowerment program in South Africa provides a sustainable way for women to earn income for their families while working from home. The traditional craft of beading in the communities of South Africa is passed on to each new generation. Affectionately known as “Louis Vuitton Pigs,” this pair of hand-beaded pigs is irresistible! Donor(s): Open Arms of Minnesota Value: $128

{ 722 } African Ceramic Bowls
All the way from Chasms Ceramics in Cape Town, South Africa, comes this brilliant set of bowls — one large for salad or soup, and four matching small bowls. They are hand decorated in bright colors and patterns. Donor(s): VocalEssence Board of Director; Elise Brunelle Value: $80

{ 723 } Serengeti Landscape Framed Photograph
Experience the serenity of the African landscape through “Lion Pride,” a beautiful 16 x 24-inch framed photograph taken in the Serengeti by talented photographer Gary Smaby. Donor(s): Gary Smaby Value: $1250

{ 724 } Set of Minneapolis Prints
WACSO (Walkin’ Around Checkin’ Stuff Out) is a local artist whose work can be seen in every Downtown and Southwest Journal as well as many national publications. As his name implies, WACSO likes to walk around and check stuff out, which includes travel to many cities around the world, but Minneapolis is his home and these four prints up for auction represent some of his favorite iconic Minneapolis scenes. Donor: WACSO Value: $500

{ 725 } “Slow Down” Shona Stone Sculpture from Zimbabwe
Fine art truly creates a world without borders. Display this superb Shona stone sculpture titled “Slow Down” from Zimbabwe in your home to create an atmosphere of peace and creativity. It is by internationally known artist Colleen Madamombe, who was born in Harare, Zimbabwe. Her work depicts women of the country in all facets of their emotional lives and her sculptures are exhibited around the world. Plus, three books from the Mhiripiri Gallery illustrate Colleen’s installations worldwide. Donor(s): Mhiripiri Gallery Value: $4,500