It’s about four months later than originally planned, but the long-awaited auction of pieces from Springfield’s “Art & Soles” public art project will finally take place, on Tuesday, March 1.
On the block are 19 six-foot tall fiberglass sneakers, hand painted by artists from around the Valley. The sneakers were displayed throughout downtown Springfield last summer, then moved to a Main Street gallery in the fall.
Proceeds from the auction will go to a fund, established by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, to support youth and adult artists “who perpetuate public art in Springfield.” A similar project in Easthampton in 2009—there, participating artists decorated fiberglass bears—raised about $57,000 for arts programs in that city.
The Springfield sneakers include Betsy Koscher’s animal-themed homage to the Forest Park Zoo, Karen Dupois’ scenes from Springfield’s history, and Doris Madsen and Janet Stupak’s tribute to the city’s libraries. Organizers have especially high hopes for the money-making potential of a Basketball Hall of Fame sneaker autographed by many of the players inducted into the Hall last year—among them Walt Bellamy, Oscar Robertson and Assistant Coach Warren Womble of the 1960 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, and Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Karl Malone, Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen, David Robinson and John Stockton of the 1992 Olympic team. (For photos and information on all 19 sneakers, go to www.crgauction.com/auctions/sneaker/details.)
Bids can be placed online or at the March 1 auction and cocktail party, which will be held at Tower Square from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The event includes live music by Ethel Lee and Her Trio. Tickets are $25.
