Artist Trust and the Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation?

You are beautiful.

The press release from this weekend's auction just arrived:

Artist Trust’s 2010 Benefit Art Auction on February 20 was extraordinary for two reasons: During a night of palpable appreciation for the creative vitality of individual artists, the annual Benefit Art Auction raised over $315,000—the highest amount in Artist Trust’s 23-year history. All net proceeds from the Auction support Artist Trust’s grants, resources and career training for artists of all disciplines throughout Washington.

Works by renowned artists like Northwest master painters Mark Tobey and William Cumming, and iconic photographers Mary Randlett and Imogen Cunningham were the hot favorites amongst the audience of nearly 500 art aficionados and artists. The highest bid of the night was for Freedom Space (2008) donated by Seattle abstract artist, Alan Fulle, represented by the Traver Gallery. The large, vibrant painting sold for $5,000 in a flurry of bidding conducted by auctioneer Laura Michalek. ...

The climax of the night came when Artist Trust Board Chair William Rava and Executive Director Fidelma McGinn announced that, with a gift from The Dale and Leslie Chihuly Foundation, Artist Trust will administer a major new individual artist award. This $150,000 three-year commitment will allow two generative artists to be selected per year, each receiving a $25,000 Arts Innovator award to support their work. Artists of all creative disciplines will be eligible for consideration. A panel of adjudicators will determine the final recipients through a state-wide nomination process. Details of the nomination process and timeline will be announced in March and available online at www.artisttrust.org.

Want to see Alan Fulle's work? I like this one.