Family, artists and institutions come together for ‘Artists Auction: A Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship Benefit’
By Michael C. Butz
In the wake of Dan Tranberg’s death this past May, those who knew the 53-year-old artist, author, critic and teacher best are teaming up to make their loss a gain for aspiring artists. In the process, they also are ensuring that their loved one’s memory will live on for years to come.
Tranberg’s family — along with The Bonfoey Gallery, which has represented the artist’s work since 1999, and faculty of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where Tranberg was a professor — have organized a silent auction that will benefit a scholarship through CIA aimed at supporting the education of artists who, like Tranberg, are pursuing careers that strike a balance between studio art and writing.
“Artists Auction: A Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship Benefit” will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Bonfoey Gallery, 1710 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. For those unable to attend the auction, absentee bidding will be available until 4 p.m. Sept. 30 via dantranberg.com.
“Working with CIA and Bonfoey to organize ‘Artists Auction’ has been a blessing and very rewarding,” says Michelle Finkle, Tranberg’s sister. “The outpouring of love for Dan has been amazing.”
More than 50 artists have donated works to the auction, including Dana Schutz, Douglas Lucak, Judith Salomon, Douglas Sanderson, Julie Langsam, Sarah Kabot, Daniel Dove, Maggie Denk-Leigh, Tommy White, Amber Kempthorn, Royden Watson, Mike Meier and Nikki Woods.
The show features work in a wide range of media: painting, photography, print, ceramics and mixed media. As a tribute to Tranberg’s life and art, many of the contributed works feature vibrant and joyful color.
In addition, an original work by Tranberg will be raffled at the auction. The winner will be announced at the event but he or she needn’t be present to win.
For more information about the auction or to preview the works that will be available, visit dantranberg.com. To purchase raffle tickets, visit cia.edu/give-now/make-a-gift and select “Dan Tranberg Painting Raffle” from the “I’d like to support:” drop-down menu.
Donations can be made directly to the Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship Fund by mail or online. Checks made payable to Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship Fund can be mailed to Cleveland Institute of Art c/o Dan Tranberg Memorial Scholarship Fund, 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 or online at cia.edu/give-now/make-a-gift. CV
Lead image: During a long stay for treatment in University Hospitals in 2016, Dan Tranberg turned his hospital room into a studio for his acrylic paintings. PHOTO | Jerry Birchfield / Cleveland Institute of Art
