Lasallian Foundation Fine Art Charity Auction

The Lasallian Foundation’s next major fundraising event is a charity auction of outstanding contemporary fine art. The catalogue is valued at more than $250,000 and will be held on Sunday 29th August at Menzies in South Yarra.

All works in the catalogue have been generously donated by some of Australia’s leading artists and galleries. The auction offers collectors of contemporary art an opportunity to purchase while at the same time a chance to help a worthwhile cause, without paying any of the usual commissions. All proceeds from the auction will be received by the objects of the Foundation.

The 80-lot auction includes works by 75 donors including work by John Olsen, Judy Watson, John Wolseley, Matthew Johnson, Roger Kemp, Robert Jacks, David Larwill, Sam Leach, Philip Hunter, Les Kossatz, Mark Schaller, Geoff Bartlett, Andrew Sibley, Sally Smart, Vera Möller, Richard Lewer, Melinda Harper, Jan Senbergs, Robert Grieve and Stewart MacFarlane.

The catalogue has been put together by the retired family court judge, keen art collector and former Olympian, The Honourable Paul Guest QC. He is also the donor of the $10,000 non- acquisitive “Paul Guest Prize” for Drawing, at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

National Head of Art at Menzies, Tim Abdallah: ‘A charity auction brings out the best of both worlds. This event has the support of some of the best artists working in Australia today. It’s a great sale by any standards, offering some very fine paintings which would not be out of place in the most fastidious collections.

CEO of Lasallian Foundation Brother Paul Smith: "The Lasallian Foundation supports projects throughout the Asia Pacific region that provide poor and disadvantaged children an opportunity to break the poverty cycle. The Foundation was established in 2004 by the De La Salle Brothers of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, to help meet the growing needs of poor children throughout the region."

The funds from this charity auction will be directed to a variety of projects including:
- Clean water and sanitation for preschool students from the Colombo slums in Sri Lanka.
- Agricultural development programs in India and Sri Lanka to teach young people lifelong skills and generate income leading to self-sustainability.
- Literacy programs for poor and disadvantaged children and youth  in Pakistan.
- Construction of teacher housing in Papua New Guinea – essential for the employment of quality teachers.

On view: Menzies, 1 Darling Street, South Yarra on Thursday 26th & Friday 27th August 9am – 5pm, Saturday 28th August 10am – 4pm and Sunday 29th August 10am – 3.30pm

Auction: Menzies, 1 Darling Street South Yarra, Sunday 29th August at 3.30pm

Catalogue online at: www.lasallianfoundation.org/LasallianFoundationEventsArtAuction2010.htm

Or available for purchase for $23 (including postage and handling) from Lasallian Foundation office on 03 9832 3100.