Local, National and International Artists to Participate in “Embrace the Future: A Gala and Art Auction”

"Summer Lights" by Karl Warden

For the first time, artists from across Atlanta and around the world will contribute works for a silent and live auction of fine art paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry and mixed-media works, along with handmade crafts including fiber art, baskets, metal works and more to benefit the Clarkston Community Center (www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org). The two-part event, “Embrace the Future: A Gala and Art Auction”, will include an evening celebration and silent auction Friday, July 14 from 6-9 p.m., followed by a live auction Saturday, July 15 from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Both will take place at Mason Fine Art and Events in Midtown, 415 Plasters Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30324 (www.masonfineartandevents.com). Tickets to the Gala are $25 per person and will include international food, music, dancing, a silent auction and cash bar. Tickets may be purchased by emailing mark@masonfineartandevents.com. There is no charge to attend the live auction July 15. More details may be found at www.masonfineartauctions.com/events-1.

The art to be auctioned will be on display at Mason Fine Art and Events beginning July 1, 2017. A portion of the collection will be available for silent auction bidding during the Friday night Gala, with the majority of pieces to be auctioned the following day. Gala attendees may make early bids during the evening of July 14 for works included in the Saturday auction event. A special bazaar will be set up at the Gala by Sunavworld and will feature Nepalese artwork and bags.

Heval Kelli, M.D., Cardiology Fellow at Emory University School of Medicine, will be the guest speaker at the Friday night event, and will recount his journey from Syrian refugee to Emory doctor. Uhuru Dancers, a traditional African dance company, will entertain the guests. Food for the gala will be provided by Kushina Catering (Ethiopian), Surana Cuisine (Syrian), Rapid Gourmet (Caribbean), Teranga Catering Without Borders (Senegalese) and Chef Lernio Romero Prieto Private Catering (Venezuelan). Sponsors for the Gala and Art Auction include Pilgrims Pride Corporation, Stop & Save Group LLC and Asal Tax and Travel.

Mark Karelson, owner of Mason Fine Art and Events, and Cindy Bowden, executive director of the Clarkston Community Center, anticipate offering over 300 works for purchase. AMCgive will handle the auction. “We hope to assemble a wide-ranging collection from fine art to craft and folk art, with sale prices from many thousands of dollars to less than $100,” said Bowden, who has an extensive background in museum management and recently served as North American President of the World Craft Council, UNESCO. “Proceeds from the gala and auction will support a variety of programs offered by the Clarkston Community Center. In recent years, Clarkston has become a haven for families fleeing war, famine, poverty and disease. Our small community is currently home to people from more than 57 countries, many of whom need our help as they work to rebuild their lives here in the U.S.”

“Art can be a way to express thoughts and feelings that are difficult to verbalize,” said Karelson. “Through VSA Arts of Georgia, we created ‘Art as a Second Language’, an art project for a group of senior citizens including refugees as well as long-time Clarkston residents at the Clarkston Community Center. People who have experienced great trauma often find solace and healing through the creation of art. Working with the seniors led to the idea of hosting an art event to support the Center’s programs. We’ve assembled a committee to review the art submitted for the auction and are reaching out to a number of artists whose work is exciting, relevant and highly collectible.”

Alexi Torres and Shie Moreno head the artists’ committee, which will include works by many internationally known artists, some with strong Atlanta connections. Bowden is drawing on her many craft connections to involve world class craft makers. Photographer Shine Huang, a Chinese national and recent graduate of SCAD’s MFA program, is the featured artist on the event’s commemorative poster.

About Clarkston Community Center

Established in 1994 and headquartered in the beautifully renovated former Clarkston High School building at 3701 College Ave., Clarkston, Ga., 30021, the Clarkston Community Center offers programs for children, teens, adults and seniors, centered around art, recreation and community building. The Center serves over 40,000 individuals annually, primarily from Clarkston and greater DeKalb County, Ga., many of whom have immigrated to the United States or are newly-arrived refugees. In addition to the headquarters building, the Clarkston Community Center includes an activity field for sports and recreation, acreage for a planned community garden and an additional structure for future development. Angora Hall, the Center’s renovated auditorium and stage, is available for public rental for parties, weddings and other special events. A new fundraising program, Friends of Clarkston Community Center, offers individuals the opportunity to financially support the work of the Center. www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org

About Mason Fine Art and Events

Nestled conveniently between Buckhead and Midtown, Mason Fine Art and Events is a unique 21,000 square foot fine art gallery and special event venue. The gallery, located at 415 Plasters Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30324, specializes in contemporary painting, sculpture and photography. It’s open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays from noon – 5 p.m. The building’s flexible, open floor plan makes it an ideal location for special events of all types and sizes, including corporate events, weddings, charity galas, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, auctions, fashion shows and holiday parties. www.masonfineartandevents.com