Rye Arts Center Announces First Time Auction of Work by Acclaimed Mid-Century Designer, Irving Harper

At the age of 98, Irving Harper is ready to enter the art market.  In a gesture of generous support for The Rye Arts Center, Harper has agreed to donate for auction one of his whimsical, never before seen paper sculptures.  This is the first time that a Harper sculpture has ever been made available for sale by the publicity shy design genius.

Widely recognized for his mid-century designs while working for the George Nelson Office, Harper is less well known for the innovative works of paper that he created in his personal time.  A selection of these creations are now found at the RAC gallery in an exhibition that opened in September, and his since had its closing date extended twice due to popular demand.  Irving Harper: A Mid-Century Mind at Play (made possible by the generosity of Herman Miller and Maharam) opened to rave reviews and continues to attract art lovers of all ages.  It closes January 24, 2015.

With a collection that numbers well over 400, Harper personally selected a colorful and vibrant snake to be the first, and perhaps only, of his works to make its way into the art market.  The sculpture is comprised of hundreds of hand cut paper diamond shapes, encircled within a Plexiglas case (24”x20”x7.5”) that Harper created specifically for the piece.  The whimsical serpent currently sits proudly in the center of the Rye Arts Center gallery, ready for viewing.

“This moment in art history is not lost on me,” explains Helen Gates, RAC’s Executive Director.  “Mr. Harper is a creative genius.  The first-time auction of any artist’s work is always exciting, and to have it happen here at The Rye Arts Center is an honor.  We are grateful for Irving’s generosity and all that it will make possible for our gallery and outreach programs.”

The live auction of the Harper serpent will take place during a celebratory cocktail party on Sunday, January 10 from 5-7pm at The Rye Arts Center’s 51 Milton Road location in Rye, NY.  Sealed bid submissions will be accepted through January 7. 

Details on the event, ticket price, and auction information may be found on the RAC website: www.ryeartscenter.org, or by contacting Helen Gates at (914) 967-0700, ext 27, or helengates@ryeartscenter.org

Snake Paper Sculpture Pictured:

Irving Harper, Artist

Untitled, Undated

Paper, Elmer’s Glue, Wood