It is a donation that will bring a plethora of resources to help victims of domestic violence.
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William King has donated one of his sculptures to Arists Against Abuse. (Courtesy Photo) |
William King, a nationally-acclaimed sculptor, has donated one of his human-figure art pieces to be auctioned off at the Artists Against Abuse Gala on Saturday, June 22nd at The Ross School Lower Campus Field House in Bridgehampton.
“It was so generous of him to donate this piece to us that’s valued at $35,000,” Jeffrey Friedman, the executive director of The Retreat. “It’s so amazing how generous people are.”
This is King’s first time donating to the auction. King’s art spans over half a century, during which time he also served as the president of the National Academy of Design.
The opening price of King’s sculpture for bid is $3,000.
Online bidding started a little over a week ago. Sara Friedlander, of Christie’s Fine Art Auction House, will host the live auction at the gala. Other bidding items up for grabs include paintings, a dinner for six at Ina Garten’s, also known as The Barefoot Contessa’s, barn, Justin Bieber concert tickets, vacation getaways and tickets to ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” Finale.
This year’s gala is centered around the 1960’s. The Fabulous 60’s Rock Show will be performing.
The Artists Against Abuse Gala brings local East End artists and artists from around the country to raise money for The Retreat, a shelter for victims of domestic violence who offers legal services, a crisis hotline, counseling, domestic violence prevention and a shelter.
Oksana Grigorieva will also be speaking this year’s gala.
“She’s gonna be standing tall with us and speaking against domestic violence,” Friedman said. “We’re excited for her to be able to put a spotlight on work that we do.”
The Artists Against Abuse Gala has risen over $2,000,000 in 18 years, allowing The Retreat to help more than 15,000 families.
“It takes a village to do the work that we do,” Friedman said.
For more information visit www.theretreatinc.org.
