Art auction attracts record crowd

Environs Kimberley celebrated a milestone anniversary over the weekend when it hosted its 10th successful art auction this year and attracted a record crowd.

More than 500 guests poured in to the Broome Convention Centre on Saturday to enjoy an evening of fierce bidding and entertainment, which raised an estimated $25,000.

The EK Art Auction is the organisation’s premier fundraising event, with proceeds going towards protecting the Kimberley’s environment.

EK director Martin Pritchard said this year’s auction saw the biggest turnout in the event’s history and staff were thrilled with the successful outcome.

“The art auction has become a major part of what keeps us going as an organisation,” he said. “We are all incredibly happy.”

Around 100 exquisite artworks went under the hammer by the Kimberley’s most sought-after and emerging artists including Jimmy Pike, Robert Juniper, Angela Bakker, Claire Beausein, Edwin Lee Mulligan and Jacky Cheng.

The highest bid of the night was for artist Hiromi Ashlin’s intricate artwork, selling for a reasonable $3450.

Chris Maher reprised his role as the auctioneer for the evening, while musicians Harry Jakamarra and Tanya Ransom entertained the crowds.

Mr Pritchard said EK was delighted to have hosted the 10th art auction.

“We didn’t think it would be this successful but it’s got to the stage where everyone seems to be aware.

It’s now a permanent fixture in the Broome arts and has become a bit of an institution,” he said.

Mr Pritchard said the event would not be possible without the generous support from local organisations, businesses and artists.

The hard work of dedicated volunteers was also necessary to make it a success.

He said funds raised would go towards protecting the Kimberley environment with the focus being on Roebuck Bay, James Price Point and the Fitzroy River.