Rago Presents the Smithsonian Visionary Artists Benefit Auction

Lambertville, NJ -  Beginning on April 24 and running until May 20, Rago Auctions presents the Smithsonian Visionary Artists Benefit Auction, a timed online-only auction hosted through bidsquare.com and featuring items created by past and present Smithsonian Visionary Artists, sold to benefit the Smithsonian Institution.

Lot 5002, Albert Paley, Unique sculpture, "Solemnity’s Prologue," Rochester, NY, 2018; Starting bid $34,000

The Visionary Award, established in 2014, is presented annually at the Smithsonian Craft Show to artists who are deemed by curators in the field to have risen to the pinnacle in the world of sculptural arts and design, who have works in major museums, and who have demonstrated distinction, creativity, artistry, and of course, vision in his or her respective medium. The 2019 recipient of the Visionary Award, Joyce J. Scott, joins the small but prestigious list of past recipients; Faith Ringgold, Dale Chihuly, Toots Zynsky, Wendell Castle and Albert Paley.

Suzanne Perrault, Partner + Co-Director 20th-21st C. Design Dept: “We at Rago are enthusiastic about shepherding this exciting sale, having sold works by most of these artists at auction over the years. We congratulate Ms. Scott on receiving the 2019 Visionary Award, which is richly deserved. She adds considerable depth to this field of makers with her sharp sense of humor, political savvy and righteous indignation. It is an honor to be associated with her.”

Lot 5005, Faith Ringgold, "The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles," 1997; Starting bid $1,400

This 13 lot sale will include works by Joyce J. Scott, as well as past Visionary Award recipients; Toots Zynsky, Albert Paley and Faith Ringgold. All proceeds benefit the Smithsonian. Full listing of auction items will be available to view and bid on bidsquare.com on April 24.