AUCTION ART

At right, Michael St. Amand - Untitled, far right, Paul Rodino - Mansfield, bottom, Robert Rauschenberg - Lotus Bed 1, 2008.

ABUSE COUNSELING AND TREATMENT'S 21ST annual fundraiser will once again be a highlight of the summer season and an art lover's fantasy. The Arts for ACT Masquerade of the Arts is set for Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point.

This year's fine art auction is expected to be one of the best Abuse Counseling and Treatment Inc. has ever hosted.

"It's the best artwork we've ever had," said Jennifer Benton, chief executive officer of ACT. "It's fantastic artwork."

Each year, Arts for ACT gallery and boutique conducts the event. It's the primary fundraiser for ACT programs and services, and Ms. Benton said the need at area shelters is greater than ever this year. More than 120 local and national artists donate works of art that can be bid on during silent and live auctions that evening.

All of the auction pieces will be truly unique and collectable original works from local, national and international artists. Ms. Benton said one piece by Robert Rauschenberg was one of the last in a series he created before he died.

"It's the best artwork we've ever had. It's fantastic artwork." — Jennifer Benton, ACT

In past years, the array of international artists has included Mr. Rauschenberg, Darryl Pottorf, James Rosenquist, Claes Oldenburg, Al Hirschfeld, Graham Nash, Romero Britto and Jasper Johns. This year will be no exception. This is the 21st year for this major fundraiser for the center and the third year that the event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. Enjoy a full-course dinner, desserts and coffee (wine, beer and mixed drinks will be available at various cash bars).

The event provides a great opportunity to obtain artwork for the price you specify at the silent auction. The art lover needs only obtain a bidding number to start the competition on that special piece that they cannot live without.

The absolute auction has no minimum bids. The bidder simply enters his or her paddle number and dollar amount on the form assigned to the piece wanted. Just remember: you can be overbid by someone who wants that piece even more.

METCALFE

The live auction items will be auctioned off by celebrity guest auctioneer Jesse Metcalfe. He's the poolman and gardener on "Desperate Housewives."

"Of course, we love 'Desperate Housewives,'" Ms. Benton said. "The other reason we chose (Jesse Metcalfe) is he does have an art background. He loves art, he collects art."

Past guest auctioneers have included Niecy Nash, Joan Rivers, Tracey Ullman, Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Lauren Hutton and Sharon Stone.

"I haven't missed it for the last 11 years," said Claudia Goode, Arts for ACT gallery curator. "It's gonna be our best one yet. We're gonna do a lot of interaction with the audience. It's gonna be a lot more fun for the audience. We're actually gonna play games."

For example, games include "performance bidding," during which Pine Island artist Leoma Lovegrove will create pieces of art in 15 minutes and attendees will make bids as soon as the art is unveiled.

The event attracts people from around the world. Ms. Goode said there is a mix of serious art collectors and recreational buyers who want to support ACT's cause.

ACT has served victims of domestic violence and their children, survivors of sexual assault and the new and temporarily homeless in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties for 31 years. More than 8,513 clients were assisted last year. That's nearly 1,500 up from the year prior.

"We need money more than ever because of the economy and because we have more clients than ever," said Jennifer Benton, CEO of ACT. "Our shelters are staying pretty full every day now."

"It's a very important fundraising event," Ms. Benton said. "It's one of our lifelines.

ACT is a nonprofit agency that relies on support from the community that enables them to continue their services.

For ticket information, go to www. actabuse. com, Upcoming Events, or call 939-2553. The Hyatt has also provided special rates on rooms; call 444-1234 and mention Arts for ACT for reservations.

COURTESY PHOTOS Clockwise from top: Andrea Cambio, Geisha 2; Jim Dickerson, The Red Violinist; Claudia Goode, The Bloomed; Terry Lynn Spry, I'm Too Sexy for My Feathers; Tom McNabb, Study of the Dream.

if you go

>> Arts for ACT Masquerade of the Arts >> When: Saturday, Aug. 15 >> Where: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Estero >> Cost: Presale $125, at the door $150 >> Info: Call 939-2553