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Redux Contemporary Art Center’s Annual Art Auction returns November 19 to celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary. With a live auction featuring roughly 150 artworks by dozens of artists, music by DJ Moldybrain, delicious eats and beverages, the annual event promises an evening of full-fledged fun and celebration.
Due to the pandemic, the auction adopted an online-only model for the past two years. Now the Annual Auction is finally back in person with a “Kaleidoscope Cocktail” dress code and theme.
Bidding will be available both in-person and online this year. Available works include pieces by artists like Kate Hooray Osmond, Morgan Kinne, Brian Walters, Elise Moore, Jenifer Padilla, Rivo Kruuk, Adrienne Mixon and many more.
The live auction will feature highly coveted items, including prints contributed by legendary street artist Shepard Fairey, a photo session with Alice Keeney, a piece of fine jewelry by Redux studio artists AL & EM, and “a few other surprises,” said Kate Ledbetter, Redux’s executive director.
Ledbetter joined the arts organization in August as the new executive director and said she is thankful for the warm welcome she has received from the Redux community.
“The organization is so dynamic with fantastic programming and rotating exhibitions … It has been very exciting to dive right in,” Ledbetter said. “My husband and I have always been big Redux fans so it’s really an honor to be immersed in this legendary community.
“I’m also thankful for my predecessor, Cara Leepson, because she led the organization through the tumultuous time of the pandemic and ensured stability for Redux. Cara and I have served together on the board of Ohm Radio 96.3FM for years and I’m grateful to have her as a friend and resource.”
Artwork included in the auction will also be available for online bidding through the digital auction platform event.gives. The goal, said Ledbetter, is to “create dynamic engagement between artists and supporters of contemporary visual arts through the hybrid platform of both digital and in- person interaction.
“We have received some really incredible art submissions,” she added. “The outpouring of support from our community of artists is remarkable … We are pooling our collective talents and resources to create an epic experience for our guests.”
Local projection and light artist Lazer Catcher’s kaleidoscopic light show will decorate the buildings facade, welcoming guests into Redux’s current home, the beloved “Big Bertha” building at 1056 King St.
“Our studio artists are rising to the occasion, and we look forward to having the Cocktail Bandits,” Ledbetter said.
Other community businesses, artists and creatives are joining in on the fun too, Ledbetter said. Guests can puruse art hanging in Redux’s hallways and in its three galleries while snacking on delicious bites and sipping drinks.
DJ Moldybrain will be spinning tunes throughout the night and the Unbound Ballet Project “will integrate dynamic movement performances into the evening,” Ledbetter said.
Redux was founded in 2002 by College of Charleston art graduates, including Bob Snead, Seth Gadsden, Luke Vehorn, Krist Mills, Alyssa Millard, Bill Bolton and more.
These young artists secured Redux’s original home at 136 St. Phillips St. and an institution was born. Redux has expanded over the last 20 years and now calls 1056 King St. home. The space has expanded from 16 artist studios to 40 and also offers a darkroom and print shop which are available for rent to outside artists. Redux launched the Lightning Residency program this year: a six-week residency and exhibition opportunity for emerging artists.
The vision in 2022 is the same as it was 20 years ago: serve artists and grow the contemporary arts community of Charleston.
Visit reduxstudios.org to purchase tickets to Redux’s Annual Auction on Nov. 19.
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