STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Noble Maritime Collection will hold its 37th Annual John A. Noble Art Auction on Friday, Nov. 14, with proceeds supporting up to 20% of the museum’s annual budget.
The fundraiser will take place at the museum’s Staten Island location and will be simultaneously streamed on LiveAuctioneers.com, allowing virtual bidding alongside in-person participation. The auction helps fund exhibitions and free and low-cost public programs, including arts education for children.
“The Noble Art Auction is a perennially successful fundraiser for the museum thanks to the incredible generosity of our community—artists and donors who contribute extraordinary works of art, passionate bidders who compete to add the pieces to their collections, loyal volunteers who work the event each year, and sponsors whose support makes it all possible,” said Ciro Galeno Jr., the museum’s executive director.
This year’s auction features 44 lots, including three lithographs by John A. Noble (1913-1983), the museum’s namesake. Among them is “Cape Horner” from 1955, which has never before been offered at the museum’s auction.
Scott Van Campen, executive director of MakerSpace NYC, will serve as auctioneer for his seventh year. He will be joined by Galeno, who will provide commentary on each piece and its artist.
John Spinks, Philomena Moore, Collage on paper, 2012, 22” x 30.”Courtesy of The Noble Maritime Collection
The collection includes works from contemporary artists such as Staten Islanders Ann Marie McDonnell and Colman Rutkin, as well as historical prints and paintings. A limited edition print by late maritime artist John Stobart (1929-2023), who was a museum trustee, is expected to draw competitive bidding.
Unique items include a hand-forged sailors’ knife created by Van Campen using Damascus steel with a handle made from reclaimed heart pine from Building D, the museum’s home. Other notable pieces include a cast stone sculpture and a handcrafted crofter’s bench made from old growth oak.
The in-person event begins at 6:30 p.m. with an open bar and light supper catered by Framboise, led by Chef Frank Puleo. The auction starts at 8 p.m.
A special paddle raise during the event will support the museum’s new ethnomusicology-based education program, Musical Voyage Around the World, for students at PS 59 and PS 373 on Staten Island.
Caddell Dry Dock and Repair Company serves as lead sponsor for the event.
The Noble Maritime Collection is located in Building D at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. Admission during regular hours is by donation.
For more information, call 718-447-6490, ext. 101 or visit noblemaritime.org/auction.
This community news was shared by the organization featured. AI was used in an initial story draft and been review by Advance/SILive.com staff.
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