“Van Gogh is really the ultimate representation of our mission–our resident artists act as mentors and help our star artists produce their own unique piece of art. The star artists, volunteer community and business leaders, always learn a great deal, and quite a few of them have found a calling as artists of their own right in the process,” says Rachael Dauzat, Executive Director at River Oaks. “The pieces are featured in a live auction at the event; Van Gogh has been our biggest fundraiser for almost thirty years.”
This year’s live auction will feature the works of thirty star artists, celebrating River Oaks’ Thirty Year Anniversary. The star artists are Kellie Peyton, Janet and Carl Ahrens, Carla Guillory, Amy Norton, John Gunter, Mayor Jerome Scott, Deborah Tillman, Anna and Paul Moreau, Kheli Tudor, Meredith Crotty, Loye Ayres, Dr. Devin Tighe, Brooks Harris, Robin Gosserand, Danielle Allen, Tommy Jo Phillips, David Crain, Kristie Fresh, Jennifer Sues, Hellon Kelly, Veronica Duncan, K.C. DiStefano, Lacy Blackmon, Mayor Jonathan Dean, Lewis McBryde, Ben St. Romain, Amy Pillarisetti, Danielle Williams, Mimi Kirzner, Judge Ross Foote, Katie Drell, Krista Redmond, and Noelle Crowell.
River Oaks’ October exhibit lineup is equally exciting, featuring Larry Thompson, Lynn Sanders and Benjamin Salley. El Paso resident Larry Thompson is known worldwide for his fine art–his works often juxtapose abstract painting techniques with words to create unique masterpieces with a message. Local artist Lynn Eustace Sanders, equally well known amongst art connoisseurs across the country, joins Thompson’s exhibit with her own lineup of unique abstracts. Her style is easily recognizable for its strong lines and layered brush strokes.
The exhibit lineup is sponsored by the Coughlin-Saunders Foundation and Jackie and Charlie Elliott. Exhibit dates will be from October 14th through November 29th, with an exhibit opening scheduled for October 17th. The exhibit opening will also coincide with ArtWalk and the River Oaks Art Market @Artwalk, featuring interactive projects, live art and street side sales of original works. For more information, call River Oaks at (318) 473-2670.