The Phoenix Art Museum Contemporary Forum is another volunteer-driven program, dedicated to promoting interest, knowledge and understanding of contemporary art through the acquisition of contemporary art for the museum, the sponsorship of contemporary art exhibitions and educational programs. Nearly 60 pieces of contemporary art from some of the nation’s finest artists will be available for purchase at the 20th annual Contemporary Forum Dinner and Auction beginning at 6 pm March 20 in the Cummings Great Hall at the museum.
Among the artists who have donated to the auction is local artist Candice Eisenfeld, who studied painting at Bezalel Academy and Hebrew University in Jerusalem prior to receiving her BFA from the University of Texas, Austin. Candice has made Tempe her home since 1995; her paintings can be viewed at galleries and museums across the country and have garnered an international reputation as well. You can view her works at eisenfeld.com.
One of the Contemporary Forum’s points of pride is the Arlene and Morton Scult Contemporary Forum Artist Award, which provides support to mid-career artists. “Arlene and I are long-time supporters of the museum and are particularly interested in contemporary art,” explains Mort Scult, Temple Solel member and long-time active member of the Phoenix Jewish community. “Arlene was a working professional artist, and we are happy to be able to give back and help to encourage new works.”
The $5,000 prize is awarded to an Arizona artist who wants to break out and try a new direction or technique in their style. “That leap of faith is daunting,” says Mort. “We hope these awards can make the leap a bit less traumatic for the artist.” The artist must be based in Arizona and be a working professional artist with a sustained degree of excellence for at least seven years. By creating an endowment, the Scults have ensured the award in perpetuity.
Individual tickets for the Contemporary Forum Dinner and Auction are $250 per person. For $75 young collectors, age 35 and under, can purchase individual tickets that provide admission to the event, cocktails and appetizers, without dinner.
The event begins at 6 pm with a cocktail reception, art preview and silent auction. Dinner and the live auction, under the expertise of auctioneer
Letitia Frye, begins at 7:30 pm.
For more information, visit contemporaryforum.org.
