Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery Hosts Quadrennial Gala, Auction May 9

On Saturday, May 9, the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery will be hosting its quadrennial gala and auction. Located in Holly Springs, the Gala and Auction has quickly become of the most popular social gatherings in the area.

The gala will present a plated dinner, live performance by The Plaintiffs, silent auction, and live auction. The dinner will be provided by Elizabeth Heiskell Catering. Also owner of Woodson Ridge Farms in Oxford, the menu options are representative of the organic produce that the farm produces for local restaurants and families. An incredible menu has been planned for the event, and it will surely not disappoint.

The highlight of the live auction are two original Kate Freeman Clark paintings as well as a painting by folk artist, Joe Wrenn from Clarksdale. Wrenn is a self-taught artist who creates colorful, vibrant images from memory. Various other great works of art created by distinguished artists will also be featured. In addition to the artwork, vacation packages and jewelry will be auction off.

“We are placing a tent in front of the gallery to house the dinner and silent auction, and the live auction will take place in the gallery itself,” Walter Webb, director of the Kate Freeman Clark Art Gallery said.

The first Kate Freeman Clark painting selected for the auction is “Spring Runs Between Hills.” The painting depicts steep hills sloping down to a running spring. The painting measures 30″ x 42″, and is the largest painting that has been auctioned at the gala. The second featured artwork is “Old Mill Stream” which reflects Clark’s ability in displaying water reflections and is based off of Moors Mill and the surrounding pond. The painting is 19.5″ x 24″.

Additionally, there will be a raffle for a reproduction “Sweet Pea” by Kate Freeman Clark. One of three reproductions, the painting depicts a view of a porch seen through lattice with pea vines intertwined. A woman is sitting on the porch and a figure looks out of a window. Raffle tickets are $10 each, and the drawing will be conducted at 9 p.m. on the night of the gala.

Proceeds will contribute to the preservation of Kate Freeman Clark’s 1,200 paintings and drawings. This year specifically, most of the funds raised will go towards renovations in the gallery. Humidity and temperature control are needed for storage areas to prevent the painting from deteriorating. Once that is complete, the gallery will focusing on restoring paintings that are deteriorated to a point that they cannot be displayed. Additionally, handicapped accessible restrooms need to be added to the building.

“We’ve been planning all year for the gala and auction,” Webb said. “It’s a very big deal for us, and we are very excited,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased online. For members of the gallery, tickets are $75 per person and $140 for couple. For non-members, tickets are $80 and $150 for couple.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with celebration and enjoyment lasting until midnight. Purchase your tickets today! This is an extraordinary event that you will not want to miss.

For more information on the Kate Freeman Clark Gallery Gala & Auction, call the gallery at (662) 252-5300 or (662) 252-9745.

About Kate Freeman Clark:

Kate Freeman Clark was an accomplished painter from Holly Springs, MS. At age 16, Clark attended school in New York and eventually developed a love for art. She studied at the Art Students League where well known artist, William Merritt Chase became her mentor. Between 1904 and 1918, Clark’s artwork was prominent throughout Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.

In 1924, Clark moved back to Holly Springs where she gave up painting completely. It wasn’t until her death at the age of 81 that her paintings were rediscovered. Clark left a fund for a gallery to be established, featuring her 1,200 paintings.

Lindsey Andrews is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at lnandre1@go.olemiss.edu.