Silent, Live Auctions Highlight Booth's Biggest Fundraiser

is gearing for its third-annual Gala and largest annual fundraiser.

Set for Saturday, Feb. 18, For the Love of Art will feature a variety of art, trips, custom-made products and more up for grabs in live and silent auctions.

“I am excited to announce our third Gala, and believe the For the Love of Art Gala will be our best yet,” Director of Development Tom Roberson said in a press release. “In addition to the wonderful works of art we have in our silent and live auctions, we are adding a fly fishing excursion, a guitar autographed by Riders in the Sky band members, weekend at a vacation home on the outer banks of North Carolina, custom made belt buckle and hat, and much, much more."

During the event, the Booth will present its Lifetime Achievement Award to nationally-known artist Fred Fellows.

Born in Oklahoma, Fellows’ family moved to California when he was 9 years old. During his adolescence, Fellows spent time visiting his grandparents’ art-filled home and touring various art museums in Oklahoma. He also learned to handle horses, rope cattle and build saddles in California.

With encouragement from his step-father, Fellows attended Art Center School in Los Angeles to hone his talent as a commercial illustrator, leading him to a successful career in the aircraft industry.

While he enjoyed the work, Fellows longed to be painting on his own and to return to his cowboy roots. In the 1960s, he became a full-time artist and by the late 60s had established a sound regional reputation.

He emerged on the national scene in 1969 when he was invited to join the Cowboy Artists of America. Since that time, he has won numerous awards at the groups’ annual exhibition, including a CAA Award for the best overall exhibition in 2007; along with gold and silver medals in all media (painting, sculpture, watercolor and drawing). 

His paintings have been featured on the cover of 17 issues of the Western Horseman Magazine.

The Booth owns several pieces of art by both Fellows and his wife, Deborah, including an outside sculpture by each—An Honest Day’s Work by Fred and Giving Thanks by Deborah.

Gala guests will be enjoying a gourmet meal and live art auction as Executive Director Seth Hopkins presents the award to Fred Fellows.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants may enjoy cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and the opportunity to tour the galleries and view new pieces on exhibit.

In addition, new to this year’s Gala is a raffle item. For those who are unable to attend the Gala but still wish to support the Booth or just have the opportunity to win a great piece of artwork, raffle tickets are being sold for a 15-inch-tall sculpture by Deborah Fellows.

The miniature replica of Giving Thanks—the life-size version is located on the Booth's North Lawn—is valued at $3,900. Tickets are $100 each or three for $250.

Also new to this year’s event are a live band, the Dan Baraszu Quartet featuring Laura Coyle, and dancing.

Tickets to the For the Love of Art Gala are $150 per person and available for purchased by calling the museum at 770-387-1300.  Items available in the live and silent auctions are added as received to and can be viewed at its website.