Executive Director William Pittman Andrews, Event Chair and Board of Trustees Member Catherine Makk and Auctioneer CK Swett
With the health and safety of its supporters in mind, Ogden Museum of Southern Art transitioned its annual “O What a Night!” gala to an online format, featuring live and silent art auctions that supported the museum’s educational mission to share the art and culture of the American South. The event raised nearly $370,000 for Ogden, and almost $10,000 went back to silent auction artists.
Both art auctions were open to the public for online bidding and on view at Ogden. The live auction was held on Live Auctioneers, and the silent auction was held on Givergy. Additionally, the museum held a Curated Conversation on Zoom with Curator of the Collection Bradley Sumrall and John Isiah Walton, an artist with work in the live auction. Curator of Photography Richard McCabe held discussions with silent auction artists Trenity Thomas and Richard Sexton.
The 2020 Chair of the Committee was Catherine Makk. Introductions were made by Makk, Board Chair Charlie Urstadt and Executive Director William Pittman Andrews.
Benefactors enjoyed a private champagne viewing for 10 of the live and silent auctions in the days leading up to the streamed live auction. Sumrall and McCabe joined the groups to discuss the donated works of art with prospective bidders.
The auction house was full of energy as Neal Auction Company took phone bids for the live auction art, and CK Swett kept attendees entertained with his wild personality and humor. Thibodeaux’s Floral Studio’s extravagant array of plants and flowers transformed the auction stage into a tropical environment.
The live auction was made possible through the support of Ogden Museum’s Live Auction Host Neal Auction Company. Other sponsors included Goldring Family Foundation, The New Orleans Advocate and Sazerac, Inc.
“O What a Night!” supporters received baskets at various levels. Baskets may have included artist made masks from the Altar New Orleans and Mountain Kingdom Clothing, traditional Adler’s “O Pins,” dessert from Beth Biundo Sweets, Champagne, a small bottle of Sazerac Rye and a signed and matted photograph by McCabe.
➺ Event at a Glance
What: “O What a Night!” Benefiting Ogden Museum of Southern Art
When: October 12-18, 2020
Where: Online
Curator Bradley Sumrall, Coordinator for Curatorial Affairs & Collections Samantha Scoggins and Exhibitions Specialist Amy Newell
Executive Director William Pittman Andrews with “Spellcaster” by Amanda Stone Talley
Auctioneer CK Swett with “MaPo Kinnord” by Aron Belka
Auctioneer CK Swett with “Cerridwen” by George Dunbar
