Benefit auction will run from Thursday, March 6 through Thursday, March 20, 2025
Houston, TX – This year, the Rothko Chapel’s annual Inspirit event, which supports the internationally renowned nonprofit’s transformative programming and community leadership, will again feature a benefit art auction. Organized by Houston’s celebrated McClain Gallery, the auction will take place online via OneCause.com from Thursday, March 6 through Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The auction will feature more than 20 museum-quality works – many donated by local, Texas-based artists – ranging in value from $4,000 to $45,000. Featured artists include Shepard Fairey and Trenton Doyle Hancock, the event’s keynote speakers, as well as Alex Katz, James Drake, Alton DuLaney, John Alexander, Robert Longo, Keiko Moriuchi, Cruz Ortiz, Kiki Smith, Bernar Venet, Bruna Massadas, Bradley Kerl, Elaine Reichek, Walter Schrank, and Charis Ammon.
“The artworks featured in this year’s auction reflect a diverse range of voices and perspectives, each offering a unique exploration of resilience and transformation,” said David Leslie, Executive Director of the Chapel. “Through these works, we celebrate the profound power of art to inspire dialogue, deepen understanding, and drive meaningful change in our communities.”
“Our goal is to present a diverse array of exceptional works of art at a variety of price points,” said Sharon Graham, Director of the McClain Gallery. “We'd like to provide something that will appeal to every supporter of the Rothko Chapel, from the seasoned collector to the art world newcomer.”
In honor of the occasion, Houston-based artist Aaron Parazette – best-known for his dynamic word paintings that blend typography, abstraction, and color – has created a special edition of 50 prints, titled Vérité, inspired by the Rothko Chapel. 20 of the prints are now available for pre-sale for $500 through the Rothko Chapel’s shop, with proceeds benefiting the Chapel.
“As spring approaches, and as I considered our shared time, it seemed like a small moment of truth would be welcome,” Aaron said. “With deep respect for the Rothko Chapel’s dedication to peace and spiritual connection, I created Vérité. Color is our universal language, and may truth be with us in any language.”
Selected works will be also displayed at C2 Art Advisors in Houston for in-person viewing by prospective bidders. A preview reception will take place the evening of Thursday, March 6, at Gallery C2, located at 3306 Mercer Street, 2nd floor. All auction items will be on view at the Chapel’s 2025 Inspirit event on Wednesday, March 19.
The Rothko Chapel’s 2025 auction committee includes Committee Chairs Sharon Graham and Hélène Schlumberger of the McClain Gallery, and collectors and art world insiders including Ben Ackerley, Sanford L. Dow, Alecia Harris, Michael Keegan, Judy Nyquist, Jessica Phifer, C2 Art Advisors, Melissa Richardson Banks, and Thuy "Tae" Tran.
Presented at The Astorian in Houston, Inspirit – the Rothko Chapel’s biggest fundraising event each year – will gather hundreds of the Chapel’s supporters from across Texas and around the country. Proceeds will support the Chapel’s mission of creating opportunities for spiritual growth and dialogue that illuminate our shared humanity and inspire action leading to a world in which all are treated with dignity and respect.
This year’s event features a compelling conversation with renowned artist and activist Shepard Fairey and multidisciplinary artist Trenton Doyle Hancock, moderated by art scholar Dr. Alvia Wardlaw. Together, they will explore the powerful relationship between art and activism in addressing pressing human rights and social justice issues.