The Smithsonian Visionary Benefit Auction

Auctioned to benefit the Smithsonian Institution, this 13 lot sale breaches the seemingly pleasing and peaceful world of art and auction. Rationality and normality are questioned. Stories are narrated on quilts and beaded, ceramic or glass figurines befriend each other. So it comes as no surprise that when that happens, artists like Joyce J. Scott, Faith Ringgold, and Albert Paley are involved. Joyce joins the list of other recipients of the prestigious Smithsonian Visionary this year and rightly so.

The Smithsonian Visionary Artists Benefit Auction, a timed online-only auction is hosted by Rago through Bidsquare.  The auction doesn’t just display works of The Visionary Award recipients but of artists who have risen to the pinnacle by exhibiting distinction, creativity, artistry, and of course, vision in their respective medium. Their works have, not just the curators, but the whole world talking, discussing and contemplating. The reward for the bidders is not the association alone. The prices too are enough to make one question what is normal, like a Faith Ringgold signed Silkscreen, estimated at $1,900.