Cary Artist Donates Large Abstract Painting To VAE Auction & Gala

Nov. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- (Cary, NC) – To help the Visual Art Exchange (VAE) of Raleigh raise money to support emerging artist, Cary, NC, artist Don Mertz has donated a large abstract painting to its annual fundraiser, entitled “For The Love of Art Auction & Gala.”

The Auction & Gala will be held on February 2, 2013, at the Marriot City Center in downtown Raleigh.

Mertz joined other artists at the kick-off party at The Borough on West Morgan Street on October 24, where he donated a 48-inch-wide by 48-inch-tall acrylic on canvas painting entitled “Watermarks On Lavender and Blue Green” (retail value: $2500).

An abstract expressionist, Don Mertz makes it a regular practice to donate his paintings to art-related as well as charitable efforts around the Triangle region. In May, for example, he donated a mixed media on canvas painting for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina’s annual fundraising all.

As a VAE member himself, Mertz is especially enthusiastic about supporting that non-profit organization’s efforts to support and educate emerging, professional, and student artists.

“I have nothing but high praise and respect for the work that Sarah Powers and her staff does on behalf of artists and art lovers in the Raleigh area,” said Mertz. “They are not only supportive but damn fun to work with.”  

Artwork donated to the “For The Love of Art Auction & Gala” will be sold through a silent and live auction. All proceeds will benefit the VAE.

Honorary Chairs for this year’s event are former Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker and his wife, Dr. Anne McLaurin. General admission is $85 and $170 for couples. Tickets and information on reserved seating for sponsorships are available on line at http://fortheloveofartauction2013vae.eventbrite.com.

For more information call the VAE, go to visualartexchange.org or call 919-828-7834.

For more information on Don Mertz, visit www.mertzart.com.

About the Visual Art Exchange:  VAE is a non-profit creativity incubator and gallery that supports and educates emerging, professional and student artists. Each year VAE exhibits the work of more than 800 artists in 60 exhibitions and hosts more than 50 educational programs. VAE also is the force behind SPARKcon, an interdisciplinary art and design festival in Downtown Raleigh. Information: visualartexchange.org.

About Don Mertz:  Don Mertz is an abstract artist who has lived in Cary for 12 years.  A former truck driver, Marine, and IBM branch manager, he attended the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and The Art Students League in New York City where he lived for 25 years. He is a member of the Visual Arts Exchange of Raleigh, the Fine Arts League of Cary and the Durham Art Guild.  He is represented by ArtSource Fine Art Gallery in North Hills, Raleigh, NC, and by Joe Rowand Art Fine Art Services in Chapel Hill, NC. For more information visit www.mertzart.com.