Kaminski Fine Art Weekend a Smashing Success

Rare Jules Pascin Painting Realizes $132,250

[ClickPress, Fri Apr 20 2007] Kaminski Auction’s Spring Fine Art Weekend was an outstanding success. This first time event, held in the ballroom of the Sheraton Colonial Hotel in Wakefield, attracted crowds of enthusiastic collectors who enjoyed a weekend of excitement and entertainment. Kaminski Fine Art Director, John Raimo, offered a collection of paintings and fine prints that generated both enthusiasm and strong prices, with sales totaling $331,500. Day two featured an elegant Fine Arts Salon that developed considerable pre and post-sale interest. This unique combination of tradition and elegance organized by Diane Gage, special events liaison for Kaminski Auctions, concluded the stunning weekend.

Several pieces underscored the success of the auction. Of particular note was "Young Woman with Basket of Fruit," by noted French Expressionist painter Jules Pascin. This rare, untouched painting created a flurry of interest with phone bidders lighting up the lines to place their offers. Pascin’s painting reached a final selling price of $132,250, well above its $80,000 high estimate. An anonymous mid-19th century China Trade painting depicting a view of Hong Kong reached a remarkable price of $16,100 (estimate $5,000-$7,000). John Frederick Loos’s painting of the schooner "Servia," enjoyed a great deal of attention, selling for $18,400 (estimate $6,000-$8.000).

Several fine prints attracted high levels of interest from collectors. "The Gunner’s Blind," by Frank W. Benson, reached $3,335. Other sporting prints that were well received included works by A. Lassell Ripley and Roland Clark. In addition, "Ships in Arctic Waters," an etching by William Bradford, reached a final bid of $2,760. (In April 2006, Kaminski’s sold one of Bradford’s major paintings, "Arctic Sunset," for $471,500.) Several prints from the Haley & Steele collection created a great deal of interest at the auction. John J. Audubon’s "Blue Crane or Heron" sold for $2,760 and a map of Europe dated 1877 topped off at $2,530.

On Sunday, almost 500 additional prints from the Haley and Steele collection went on sale at the Fine Arts Salon. Buyers, casually sipping mimosas, enjoyed live music by the well-known Boston-based Bobby Keyes and Lucky Stereo. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. Collectors reveled in the vast print collection and noted the attractive prices, with works offered at 50% less than retail.

"We thought we would try something different. Our collection from Haley & Steele is so vast that there is not time or space to display it in its entirety. This Salon afforded the opportunity to relax and view the prints in a welcoming atmosphere," says Frank Kaminski, owner of Kaminski Auctions. "We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback and we are planning to host more fine arts salons in the future."

Kaminski’s next fine art auction will be held early next fall. Consignments are now being accepted. Please contact Fine Art Director, John Raimo at 978-927-2223 for more information.

Over the past two decades, Kaminski Auctions has emerged as a leading Massachusetts art and antiques auction house. In recent months, Kaminski has experienced dramatic new growth, launching a second location in San Diego, California.

About Kaminski Auctions
Kaminski Auctions, headed by Frank Kaminski, specializes in appraising and auctioning fine art and antiques. As part of a complete estate service package, Kaminski provides expert appraisals, local and national advertising for all sales, competitive fees, and itemized accounting of all transactions for heirs and representatives. In addition to full estate auctions, Kaminski accepts partial estate liquidations, as well as individual pieces and collections for consignment. The firm's extensive clientele includes museums, historical societies, corporations, non-profit organizations and private individuals. In early 2007, Kaminski launched a second operation in San Diego, California. For information, visit www.KaminskiAuctions.com.

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