This piece by Robert Kinsell will be given away in a drawing the night of the closing reception for the Kinsell & Friends Art Sale. Everyone who visits the show will receive a ticket to enter the drawing. No purchase is required, but patrons must be present to win. It is oil on linen and is Untitled.
It’s been two years since Stephen F. Austin State University art professor Robert Kinsell retired. Yet, Kinsell’s dedication to the education of SFA art students continues to thrive through the sale of donated artwork he gave to the Friends of the Visual Arts before his departure to West Texas.
In the collection of more than 75 pieces, most are Kinsell’s work in paintings, prints and photographs, and a few are from other artists.
“Bob said that we could do with them as we pleased,” said Lisa Steed, events coordinator for SFA art galleries and FVA member, “as long as the proceeds went toward SFA art scholarships.”
Internal sales to FVA members and the College of Fine Arts Dean’s Circle raised about $8,000 toward that goal. Now, the FVA wants to give the public a unique opportunity to purchase some of Kinsell’s remarkable original art at great prices, Steed said.
The Kinsell & Friends Art Sale will begin Aug. 15 at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House and continue until a closing reception at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. The collection, which includes about 45 pieces of Kinsell’s work and a few additional pieces by other artists, will be exhibited in Reavley Gallery.
“We are so fortunate to have been given this extraordinary collection of artwork,” Steed said. “Bob has professional gallery representation in Houston and Chicago, and the original values on these pieces range from $500 to $5,000. For this fundraiser, set prices now are $50 to $500. These are amazing bargains on original art, thanks to Bob’s generosity.”
The art will be priced to sell; there will be no auctions. Therefore, anyone who wants to purchase any number of pieces at any time during the two-week sale may do so. At the start of the closing event on Aug. 29, remaining pieces will be for sale at the posted price. Prices will be reduced throughout the evening.
All proceeds go toward funding art scholarships.
The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. in downtown Nacogdoches. For additional information, call (936) 468-6557.
