The Butler hosts fundraising auction

YOUNGSTOWN — Sandy Leichtman, 62, and her husband Jeff Froechlich, 64, drove more than 300 miles from Baltimore for the auction Thursday at the Butler Institute of American Art.

The couple is accustomed to purchasing art at New York auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s. But Leichman said she wasn’t disappointed by the 200-plus collection that was auctioned Thursday at the Butler Great American Art Auction. The prices weren’t much different either, she said.

“This has been a really, really fun experience,” said Leichtman. “We’re so glad we came ... We just think that you have a gem.”

Close to 125, mostly local, art enthusiasts and Butler supporters gathered in the museum’s Beecher Court atrium for Thursday evening’s auction — the Butler’s first in 15 years. Auctioneer Jeff Byce bartered off 32 pieces donated from artists across the country. An additional 175 items were offered up for bid in a silent auction, as well.

For more, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.

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