Many of us have developed a newfound appreciation for art over the last year. From inspiring quotes to cheery vistas that reminded us of the wide world beyond our own doors, prints and paintings provided no small amount of optimism and hope.
Art and optimism combine again this week with two fantastic Irish art sales. They’re not just a chance to own unique pieces of art but offer the opportunity to help a worthy cause or two – and perhaps bag yourself a creation by a famous name while you’re at it.
INCOGNITO
First up is Incognito. Now in its fifth year, this popular mystery art sale raises funds for the Jack & Jill Foundation, which provides respite and support for very ill children and their families. Incognito found a whole new level of success when Covid-19 restrictions meant it had to move online last year. (Previously aspiring art buyers had to queue up at a bricks and mortar venue to try to buy their work of choice.)
And what works they are. Each postcard-sized original is priced at €60, and the artist's name is only revealed once you have bought the artwork. It might be a famous hand that sketched or painted it - and this year’s participants include Bob Geldof, Paul Costelloe, Mo Kelly, Don Conroy, Guggi, Susan Cairns and Tommy Tiernan.
WHEN: You can view all the artwork now on the website and the sale takes place tomorrow Thursday 22 April at 10am and is expected to sell out in minutes. Don't forget to register before the sale begins. Incognito.ie
Image: Deep Love by ADW/Instagram @scoopfoundation
SCOOP 2021 Art Auction
This week also sees The SCOOP Foundation's 2021 Art Auction, which is being broadcast live from The Copper House Gallery in Dublin. A chance to get your hands on works from some of Ireland’s top artists, the auction is raising funds to support the delivery of SCOOP Ed to young Internally Displaced People (IDPs) living in camps in Iraq and refugees living in Direct Provision centres in Ireland.
Last year’s online auction raised €87k and this year the guys are taking it up a notch with a four-day live event online. The auction features over 350 artworks from Ireland’s top artists including Aches, ADW, Maser, Helen Steele, Leah Hewson, DUDA, Threadstories, Jim Fitzpatrick, Domino Whisker, Gráinne Nagle, Guggi, Dragana Jurišić, and Oona Doherty.
WHEN: The online auction is running from Friday 23 to Monday 26 April, with a number of sessions each day, starting with two sessions of 45 lots each from 7:30pm on Friday. For all the info on how to register and bid see the website.
Both events offer the chance to buy original art, support Irish (and international) artists and help a good cause too. All from your own home.
Main image: Toa Heftiba/unsplash
