Tonight at Sean Kelly Gallery in New York City, the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), will be holding the inaugural edition of Artists for Equality, an auction fundraiser hosted by Executive Co-Chairs Margaret Russell and Andy Cohen.
All proceeds from the sale will go directly towards HRC Equality Votes—an effort to help raise critical funds to aid in mobilizing voters and electing pro-equality candidates in the upcoming November election.
“We are so inspired by the outpouring of support from the visual arts community for the Human Rights Campaign’s inaugural Artists for Equality benefit auction,” said Christopher Speron, Vice President, Development at the HRC. “This incredible group of legendary talent and emerging artists are advancing social justice through the power of art— and bringing us closer to our vision for a world in which LGBTQ people are equal in every sense.”
Guests in attendance this evening will be able to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres during a live auction orchestrated by Gabriela Palmieri, while a silent auction presented by Paddle8 will is also available online. Featured in the sales are donated works by over 50 well-known artists including Marilyn Minter, Ed Ruscha, Donald Baechler, Cindy Sherman, Patrick Martinez, Rashid Johnson, Louise Lawler, and Alec Soth.
“I’m looking forward to October 22nd—an evening for artists, art-lovers, and activists to join together to celebrate art and to rededicate ourselves to the fight for equality for all,” said Margaret Russell.
This evening, the silent auction will open to the public on Paddle8 at 6 pm, followed by the live auction, which will commence at 8.