Baterbys' Winter Art Auction (Feb. 19, 26) will benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida

Jan. 20, 2011 - PRLog -- (ORLANDO, Fla.) – Proceeds from next month’s 2011 Winter Auction slated for Feb. 19 and 26 by Baterbys Art Auction Gallery will go to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida, an organization that serves children with disabilities and developmental delays in the Orlando area. But it won’t be the first time Baterbys has raised money for a worthwhile charity.

   Since its launch just three years ago, Baterbys has raised over $3 million for various non-profits and charity groups. The firm believes these charity partners are a vital link between its business and the diverse community it is part of. It has consistently provided such groups with its benefit auctioneering services and donated a significant portion of its auction revenues to charity.

   The concept is not unique to Baterbys. In 2006 alone, more than $15.6 billion was raised nationwide through charity benefit auctions, and the trend is continuing. More and more non-profits and charities are turning to professional auctioneers to realize much-needed funds. But it is Baterbys’ strong team and passion for helping people that makes them especially successful.

   Fewer than one percent of all auction houses have the credentials Baterbys has managed to garner in an astonishingly brief period of time. The firm earned the prestigious Benefit Auctioneer Specialist designation from the National Auctioneers Association (of which it is a member), and it is a licensed and insured company recognized by numerous organizations.

   “We believe that the resources and information these networks provide our company contribute to our holistic approach to business,” said Richard Hart of Baterbys Art Auction Gallery, “and they add credibility to the professional standards we espouse. We serve clients all over the world, so being accountable to people who uphold excellence is integral to our success.”

   Mr. Hart pointed out that the 2011 Winter Auction will be a first-ever Discovery Consignment Auction, making Baterbys the first full-service auction gallery in Florida. The sale will be different from previous events, as owners of original and reproduction works of art are being invited to “Turn Your Art Into Quick Cash” by consigning what they have to Baterbys.

   “We are in an economic climate right now where people suddenly need fast cash for a variety of reasons,” Mr. Hart said, “and this Discovery Consignment Auction is the perfect way to achieve that. We provide a professional and trusted way for people to sell their art through an award-winning gallery and auction house that is known and respected throughout south Florida.”

   The 2011 Winter Auction (and first-ever Discovery Consignment Auction) will be held on Saturday, Feb. 19, at Baterbys’ Palm Beach County Gallery (13900 South Jog Road in Delray Beach) and the following Saturday, Feb. 19, at the firm’s Orlando gallery (9101 International Drive in Orlando). The auctions will start promptly at 5 p.m. (EST), with previews from 4-5 p.m.

   Many beautiful and highly collectible works have already been consigned for the sale. Chief among these are an original oil on canvas portrait rendering of boxing legend Joe Louis by the iconic pop culture artist LeRoy Neiman (circa 1960, est. $100,000), plus several works by Florida’s legendary Highwaymen, the African-American artists active from the 1950s-1970s.

   Two exciting last-minute consignments were just secured: an original lithograph printed  in black on Arches woven paper by Pablo Picasso, signed and dated (Les Mains Llees II, circa 1952, 1 of 50, est. $38,000-$45,000); and an original drawing and watercolor on paper by Everett Shinn, signed and dated (Two Men Looking on Workers, circa 1944, est. $80,000-$100,000).

   Also featured will be original and reproduction works by renowned artists such as Marc Chagall, Isaac Maimon, Joan Miro, Elena Bond, Michael Rozenvain and Fernando de Jesus Oliveira (“Ferjo”). Online bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com. Phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. To view the works in color, log on to www.baterbys.com.

   There will be no buyer’s premium in the auction. Bidding for some artworks will start at under $100, and some pieces will carry no reserves (minimums) at all. Attendees will have the opportunity to win free works of art and other giveaways, in spontaneous raffles held throughout the day. Also, everyone will receive a free print, valued at $100, just for attending the auction.

   Baterbys offers its clients something unique in the industry: a lifetime money-back guarantee of authenticity for each work of art it sells, and a lifetime exchange policy for each work of art it sells. This is important to art collectors, since provenance is everything. Baterbys believes that gaining a buyer’s trust is key to ensuring that they will become repeat customers.

   Last year, Baterbys was named 2010 Best of Show for Advertising and Public Relations by the National Auctioneers Association. The firm was selected out of a field of 1,000 entrants. Baterbys was also honored in the sub-categories Catalogs and Postcards (Collectibles/Specialty), Business Promotion (for Business Newsletter) and Broadcast/Audiovisual (for AV and DVD).

   For more information on Baterbys Art Auction Gallery and the upcoming 2011 Winter Auction, please log on to www.baterbys.com. The firm is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign a single piece of art, an estate or an entire collection, you may call them toll-free, at (866) 537-0265. Or, you can send them an e-mail, at press@baterbys.com.

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Ken Hall writes pre-sale and post-sale press releases for auction houses, for a fee. He writes, submits and tracks stories for clients. Submissions are published in trade magazines, posted on industry websites and appear in local newspapers.