Art auction

Kerry Cobb holds up one of more than 30 works by the late Ellen Dittebrandt and Judith Cunningham at Sunday’s Art Auction at Columbia Center for the Arts, while auctioneer Steve Talbot scans for bids. The center raised $30,000 in the live and silent auction, attended by 100 people. “We had hoped for $10,000 to $12,000, so you can imagine our elation,” said Cobb, center executive director. “People were so generous; the pieces sold for as much or more than they would hanging in the gallery.” Works came from the center collection as well as those donated by the late Nellie Hjaltalin and others, and Cunningham’s son Mark Amos, executor of the estate of Cunningham and Dittebrandt, who were married.

She added that Talbot created an entertaining environment. “It was a blast to watch,” she said. At lower left, a Chihuahua figure in the silent auction. Proceeds will go to future center events and activities, including an exhibit and set of programs in May focusing on the area’s Japanese heritage.