Photograph, courtesy of Debi & Steve Russell
Scottish Terrier, William turned heads with his Burberry jacket. He traveled from Florida to New York to attend Barkfest at Bonhams with his human, Ray Sodano, who told The New Barker, “Several employees of Bonhams and the AKC introduced themselves and mentioned that William was the best looking dog at the event. Some folks asked whether or not he was in fact going to Westminster.”
Barkfest at Bonhams Charity Brunch and Auction Sets Record Prices.
This year’s annual charity brunch at Bonhams on Madison Avenue in New York City was an exclusive opportunity to view the entire collection of dog art at the Auction House. Held on Sunday, February 10 from 10a until noon, it was the perfect setting to get in the mood for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Dogs were invited to attend with their humans to experience the beauty of dogs in fine art, including the preview of Dogs in Show and Field. Proceeds from the charity benefited the AKC Humane Fund, an education, outreach and grant-making organization. Organizations that have been helped by the AKC Humane Fund over the years include women’s shelters and breed specific rescue groups. Celebrities from the dog world were in attendance, including special guest, GCH AfterAll Painting the Sky, affectionately known as Sky. Fresh off her December AKC/Eukanuba win in Orlando, she was preparing for her appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. “The annual Dogs in Show & Field sale remains the only auction dedicated solely to the art of man’s best friend. We’re very pleased with all the prices realized, which saw the strongest bidding this annual sale has ever seen,” said Charles O’Brien, Bonhams Head of 19th Century Paintings. “Bonham’s has changed the market for British painters such as William Henry Trood, having set several records in the last two years,” explained Alan Fausel, Bonhams Director of Fine Art. The piece by Edward Robert Smythe (1810-1899), Favorite Hounds, the property E.Walter Greene Esq, Master of the Suffolk Hounds, sold for $116,500 in front of what was said to be a riveted crowd.
32 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com