New York’s Oldest Art Auction Has New Twist this Year

“I believe it is the oldest, continuous art auction in New York City and possibly in the United States” says Elizabeth Spencer, current President of Salmagundi, a nonprofit founded as a sketch club in Greenwich Village in 1871 and now one of the largest and most prestigious artist’s clubs in the nation, with over 1,000 members. Salmagundi, home to many of the greatest names in American art history, has held auctions since those earliest days, and bought its current home, a townhouse at 47 Fifth Avenue, with proceeds from an auction in 1917. 

“Members donate their works and we sell them to benefit Salmagundi programs,” adds Spencer.   

Over 180 paintings will be offered, with the majority featuring representations of New York City, several with starting bids under $500.00 all exquisitely framed by the artist and bearing Salmagundi labels. Among the artists represented is Guy A. Wiggins (born 1920), Salmagundi's oldest resident artist member. “It is the best kept secret in the art world,” Spencer believes. 

This year, for the first time in history, you will be able to commission a unique work from several of Salmagundi's most popular artists: Tony D'Amico, Eddie Rochat, and Carole Teller.

“The opportunity to commission one of our best to paint your favorite person, or favorite New York City building or landscape, is unprecedented at Salmagundi”, Spencer notes. 

The Salmagundi auction will be held in two live evening sessions this month, the first on Friday, October 18th and the second the following Friday, October 25th with public preview from October 7th at 47 Fifth Avenue. Details and preview on-line at www.liveauctioneers.com, or www.salmagundi.org. Admission to all auctions and previews is free to the public and refreshments are served.