On Sunday, Sept. 26, Cordier Auctions will host an online-only auction to benefit both the Art Association of Harrisburg and the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area. Artwork from the collection of Raymonde “Re” DeSabres Plaut will be offered. A remarkable woman, Ré loved both art and animals, and among her final wishes was for her art collection to benefit these two local groups. The art collection is being sold to generate funds for the two organizations.
Born in 1925 in Le Chtelet, France, Ré became a member of the French resistance as a teenager. While she was in the Resistance she met her first husband and relocated to the U.S. After her husband’s death, she met Navy Captain Martin Renatus Plaut while working for Air France. They were married for nearly 50 years until his passing. Both Ré and Martin were passionate students and supporters of art and became well known by local artists and especially by the instructors and students at the Art Association of Harrisburg. She was also known to be a dog lover and adored her pup, Tom-Boy.
Carrie Wissler Thomas of the Art Association of Harrisburg notes, “The late Ré DeSabres was a lifelong lover of art and animals, and her generous bequest of her art collection to the Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) and the Humane Society was very much in keeping with her passion. Ré was a loyal AAH exhibiting artist member for decades and a supporter of her fellow artists through the purchase of their work. She leaves behind many friends and colleagues, and the Art Association is deeply appreciative of her gift.” The Art Association of Harrisburg provides opportunities for regional and nationwide artists as well as classes for all ages and skill levels.
The mission of the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area is to build a better community for pets and people through compassion, protection, and collaboration. About the gift, executive director Amy Kuanas states, “The Humane Society is honored to share this bequest of art from Ré DeSabres’ collection with the Art Association of Harrisburg. This gift will generously serve hundreds of animals and artists in the community she loved.”
The auction will feature pottery and numerous paintings by both Ré and Martin as well as the work of local and national artists. Bidders will find works by Virginia Parkum, Li Hidley, Alberto Weller, Brian Rogers, Wanda Macomber, and many more.
Bidding for the online auction began Sept. 19. Previews are by appointment only.
For further information, visit www.CordierAuction.com or call 717-731-8662.