Alex Cooper to Auction the Work and Private Collection of Acclaimed Artist and Curator, Evangeline "EJ" Montgomery

TOWSON, MD - January 6^th, 2019 – Baltimore-based Auctioneer Alex Cooper will host a two-day Gallery Auction on Tuesday, January 22^nd  and Thursday, January 24^th, featuring an expansive collection of fine jewelry, sterling silver, currency, fine rugs, period, mid-century modern, quality reproduction and period furniture, and decorative arts.

Lot 807, Sam Gilliam. Abstract Collage, Mixed media, 1976, From the Collection of Evangeline "EJ" Montgomery, Washington, DC; Estimate $6,000-$8,000

The auction is headlined by the exquisite private art collection of acclaimed artist and curator, Evangeline “EJ” Montgomery. As a curator, Ms. Montgomery fought for the recognition and representation of African American artists and curated over 200 exhibitions. Ms. Montgomery also worked for the United States State Department’s Arts America Program. Her private art collection features the work of some of the finest African American artists including Sam Gilliam, Elizabeth Catlett, Varnette Honeywood, Michael Ray Charles, Irene Clark, among numerous others.

Lot 892, Francine Jamison. Baby on Shoulder, Photograph, From the Collection of Evangeline "EJ" Montgomery, Washington, DC; Estimate $200-$400

Beginning Thursday, February 7^th, Alex Cooper will host a seven day, online Alex Cooper Art Select Auction featuring an enormous collection of the personal work of Ms. Montgomery.  The auction includes both prints, paintings, photography, ceramics, silver bowls and jewelry.  Alex Cooper will also host a wine and cheese opening reception on Thursday, February 7^th in our gallery showroom to preview the auction taking place from 5:30-7:30. 

“We are honored to offer these two very important collections by such a renowned artist and curator. The collections encompass a life’s work and passion and it is a privilege to share it with others,” said Paul Cooper, Vice President of Alex Cooper. “This auction is a great reminder of how collections can carry on legacies. It is an exciting opportunity to own a piece of history.”

Lot 899b, Willie Burch, "Blacknuss," Serigraph, From the Collection of Evangeline "EJ" Montgomery, Washington, DC; Estimate $1,000-$2,000

The Tuesday, January 22nd auction will begin promptly at 12 noon EST; the Thursday, January 24th auction will begin at 10 am EST. These auctions will take place at Alex Cooper Auctioneers, located at 908 York Road in Towson, Maryland.  The February 8^th-February 13^th Alex Cooper Art Select Auction will be online only beginning at 5:00pm, Friday, February 8^th and ending at 7:00pm on Wedesday, February 13^th.

Online bidding is available through Bidsquare.com.

ABOUT ALEX COOPER

Alex Cooper, headquartered in Towson, Md., is one of the largest auctioneers in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Founded in 1924 by Alex Cooper, the company has more than 50 employees and specializes in the sale of residential, commercial and industrial real estate as well as antiques, household furnishings, vehicles, office equipment and industrial machinery. The showroom also features a “Gallery of Rugs” offering one of the region’s most expansive rug collections, including pieces from Persia, Turkey, China, India and the Caucasus.