The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation Auction’24: Dedicated to the Art of Paint 

Featured Project
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Artists in residence in a training session at the Golden Lab

In 2012, the Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts introduced a one-of-a-kind residency program dedicated to the art of paint. Situated in the heart of central New York, mere steps from the Golden Artist Colors manufacturing facility, a 19th-century barn was transformed into a space that seamlessly blends history and modernity. It offers spacious studios and private apartments, providing a haven for artists to engage with materials and technologies that define contemporary artistic practice. The Golden Foundation Residency Program is a deliberate endeavor to aid professional artists in their quest to explore and master innovative materials and techniques. Each year, the Foundation hosts six Exploratory Residency Sessions, each lasting four weeks and accommodating three artists at a time.

A painting of flowers in a vase

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Lauren Whearty, Untitled, 2021, 24” x 18”, Acrylic and oil on canvas

In 2017, the Golden Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary with an art auction, a significant milestone that paved the way for eliminating residency fees for future participants. This ongoing initiative, made possible by the community’s support, ensures that all residency participants receive a generous paint supply and comprehensive technical support. Emma Golden, the Residency Director, shared the program’s journey: “In our 2017 auction, we were able to raise enough funds to waive all residency fees, add to our team, and provide even more support to the artists in residence”. She emphasized the transformative power of community support, showcasing the vibrant energy and enthusiasm the local community brought to the 2017 auction. This collective spirit has propelled the Foundation’s unwavering pursuit of higher goals, making each community member a vital part of the program’s success: “The energy from the in-person auction in 2017 boosted our drive to dream bigger and dream more! Our local supporters did that!” she says.

Lab team @ Golden Artists Colors visiting Artists’ studios
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Julia Jacquette, Cut Crystal, 2017, 9.5” x 12”, Gouache on paper

With the anticipated success of the 2024 auction, the Foundation aspires to offer even more support, including stipends, studio supplies, and meals for the artists in residence. The forthcoming auction will showcase over 170 artworks for sale. An in-person event is scheduled for August 3rd, and an online auction will run from July 23rd to August 5th. The proceeds will directly benefit the Artist Residency Program and the global community of artists it serves. Most artworks available for auction are wall pieces, with some sculptural works included. The majority of the works have been donated by past residents, continuing a tradition established before the Residency Program’s inception in 2012. The objective remains straightforward: to sell all the artworks, secure funds for the Residency Program, and continue providing comprehensive and unparalleled support to artists.

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Laura Williams, A Quiet Autumn/Fall Day in October 2022, 12” x 9”, Acrylic on panel

All photos courtesy of the artists and The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation

About the Auction: The in-person auction on August 3rd will feature both live and silent auctions at Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin, NY. Tickets for the event are available for $75 per person until July 29th, after which they will be sold at the door for $95 per person. Each ticket includes a raffle entry for a painting, along with wine, beer, and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The event encourages festive attire from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The silent auction, featuring over 75 smaller artworks, will take place from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, followed by the live auction from 6:45 pm to 8:00 pm, presenting over 45 pieces. Auction https://www.goldenfoundation.org/auction/