Immerse yourself in the enduring influence of modern art and vie for the opportunity to take home vintage artwork yourself on June 25 at “Cocktails and the Collector,” an Art Auction and Show hosted jointly by Ridgefield Guild of Artists and Ridgefield Historical Society.
“Cocktails and the Collector” takes place from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Ridgefield Guild of Artists, 34 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield. CT. The event celebrates the final week of the Guild’s monthlong “Mad for Modern” Art Exhibit, which runs from Saturday, June 6, to Sunday, June 28.
Attendees at “Cocktails and the Collector” will enjoy all the new artworks on exhibit, be treated to libations and nibbles, and have the opportunity to bid on original 20th-century artwork being donated from the Segelstein family’s private collection.
Auction items will include signed lithographs by Salvador Dali and Peter Max, along with original etchings by Etienne Ret, and work by Ludwig Bemelmans, the writer/ illustrator of the beloved children’s book character, Madeline. All pieces date from the 1950s-’70s.
Tickets for “Cocktails and the Collector” are $60 in advance, $75 at the door if available. Space is limited, so reserve yours now.
Auction items will be on display throughout the “Mad for Modern” Art Exhibit.
Bidding opens online June 1. If you want to bid but can’t participate in person, you can still participate in the auction virtually.
“The Mad for Modern exhibit celebrates the enduring influence and radical spirit of modern art—an era that reshaped how we see, think, and create,” said Pam Stoddart, Executive Director, Ridgefield Guild of Artists. “ This exhibition invites contemporary artists to engage with the bold experimentation, abstraction, and conceptual innovation that defined modernism, reimagined through a fresh, present-day lens.
“The auction will be a great opportunity for lovers of modern and midcentury prints to add to their collection,” Stoddart continued. “It’s also a terrific juxtaposition – having these vintage pieces on display alongside the new work inspired by some of these same original artists.
The evening is part of the new “Mad for Modern” programming by the Historical Society on the architecture, design and built environment of Ridgefield’s modern and postmodern era. Developed under theW. Arthur Architectural Archives, the “Mad for Modern” series will explore the town’s 20th-century transformation through evolving design practices, materials and patterns of suburban growth.
“Art and history go side by side in understanding our world. We’re delighted to be teaming up with the Guild of Artists to present this evening,” said Stephen Bartkus, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “We think it’s another example of what makes Ridgefield such a great place to live – the depth and reach of the nonprofit organizations that bring so much spirit to the town.”
The Ridgefield Guild of Artists is a regional and community-based art organization that promotes the visual arts and arts education. The Ridgefield Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, interpreting and fostering public knowledge of Ridgefield’s historical, cultural and architectural heritage. Support these non-profit organizations through donations or memberships. Learn more at https://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org/support-us/membership/ and at https://rgoa.org/donate/.
A signed lithograph of “Cosmic Ride with Birds” by Peter Max is one of the items on auction June 25.
