Arvid raises funds for High Museum

Art Business News, July, 2003

ATLANTA -- With contributions of more than $20,000, artist Thomas Arvid was one of the most successful fundraisers at this year's three-day long High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction weekend in March. This year, as in years past, the artist offered an original oil on canvas entitled "All in a Day's Work" in the live auction that sold for $9,500 to an Atlanta collector. For the silent auction, Arvid donated a framed original sketch entitled "Eight is Enough" that brought $2,500. Arvid's wife Vanessa presented a live auction lot featuring two 3 liter bottles of the prized 1988 Silver Oak, Bonnie's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that went for a price of $3,000. "We love that Vanessa and Thomas both contribute to our live auction" said Wine Auction Director Woodie Wisebram. "For several years now, they have both offered complimentary lots that our audience eagerly anticipates with frenzied bidding for their creative donations"

Rounding out this year's Arvid contribution was the second-annual Thomas Arvid-Silver Oak Dinner at Sia's restaurant in Duluth. The chef created a menu to accompany select wines from Silver Oak while the artist worked on an original painting and mingled with collectors. Proceeds from the evening's art sales, coordinated by Atlanta's Vinings Gallery, and the dinner, were more than $7,000.

"Participating in and giving to the High Museum Wine Auction is so rewarding because it benefits so many people," Arvid said. "The High is there for everybody to enjoy and benefit from; by making art accessible, the Museum touches the lives of so many people. The Auction is an amazing event to be a part of."

For more information, visit www.winepaintings.com.