By Ann Nichols
Staff Writer
Spectrum is one of Hunter Museum of American Art’s most eagerly anticipated annual exhibitions. Composed of artworks organized into live and silent auction formats and a seated dinner, this black-tie event offers seasoned buyers, patrons and new collectors an opportunity to purchase items from galleries and artists throughout the United States.
Andrea and Clay Crouch served as chairmen of the art selection committee. They and committee members acquired works from galleries as far away as New York and Louisiana with the intention of choosing pieces that would appeal to the taste of Chattanoogans and in a range of prices.
There are 39 works in the live auction and 40 in the silent format. Ellen Simak, Hunter’s chief curator, points to three pieces that are particular favorites for her.
Mitchell Lonas’ “Untitled, No. 521, Nest Series” is a painted and incised aluminum wall piece that retails for $3,800.
“He uses an unusual technique in his work,” said Simak. “The delicacy of the scratched line against the dramatic black background creates a haunting work.”
“Green Peak,” a cast and carved glass sculpture by Alex Bernstein, retails for $6,200. Simak mentioned that, although both of the artist’s parents are well-known glass sculptors, he has forged his own elegant style.
Finally, “Metropolitan Triptych,” a pastel on black paper by Yvonne Jacquette, retails for $25,000 and is a museum purchase.
“Yvonne Jacquette is an artist that our contemporary curator, Nandini Makrandi, has wanted to add to our collection for a number of years,” said Simak. “Her work straddles abstraction and realism in her visions of the land and city as seen from high vantage points.”
Spectrum will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday with cocktails and the silent auction. At 7:45 p.m., dinner will be served, followed by the live auction and dessert at 9 p.m. Admission is $150 per person, and tickets may be reserved by calling 267-0968. Valet parking will be available.
The artworks in Spectrum are on display through Saturday afternoon.
The museum, 10 Bluff View, is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday; and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday.
Contact Ann Nichols at annsnichols@aol.com.