A new benefit auction aims to expand opportunities for emerging artists in New York City. The initiative, titled The Sketch Project, brings together original works from dozens of creators while supporting mentorship programs, career pathways and youth education initiatives.
Notably, the sale features contributions from 73 artists, writers and cultural figures active in the city’s creative economy. These pieces include sketches, notes, works in progress and other works on paper. Meanwhile, bidding begins at $1,000, allowing newer collectors to enter the market for contemporary art.
KAWS and Jerry Saltz are among the creatives contributing to the Sketch Project, a collaborative initiative celebrating artistic expression through sketchbooks. 
KAWS and Jerry Saltz are among the creatives contributing to the Sketch Project, a collaborative initiative celebrating artistic expression through sketchbooks. 
KAWS and Jerry Saltz are among the creatives contributing to the Sketch Project, a collaborative initiative celebrating artistic expression through sketchbooks. 
KAWS and Jerry Saltz are among the creatives contributing to the Sketch Project, a collaborative initiative celebrating artistic expression through sketchbooks. 
KAWS and Jerry Saltz are among the creatives contributing to the Sketch Project, a collaborative initiative celebrating artistic expression through sketchbooks.
Consequently, the auction positions itself as both a philanthropic initiative and an accessible collecting platform. In addition, it highlights the role of early-stage collecting in supporting artists and nonprofit cultural programming.
Works by leading contemporary artists
Among the highlights, visitors will find a watercolor by Sasha Gordon and a marker-on-paper work by Futura. Meanwhile, art critic Jerry Saltz contributes handwritten note pages.
Elsewhere, Nate Lowman presents an untitled oil painting. At the same time, writer Eileen Myles offers an intimate apartment photograph.
The wider catalogue includes works from notable figures such as KAWS, Marilyn Minter, Erin M. Riley and LeRoy Neiman. Additionally, artists including Derek Fordjour, Leyla Fischer, Eric Haze and Oscar Yi Hou also participate.
Gala event and closing timeline
The auction coincides with the organization’s 26th annual gala, which will take place at WSA in downtown Manhattan. During the event, organizers will recognize Sasha Gordon and Katherine Bradford as honorees. In addition, Jody Quon will also receive recognition for contributions to the city’s creative sector.
Bidding remains open through March 12 at 2 p.m. EST. Therefore, collectors and supporters have a limited window to participate while backing programs designed to support the next generation of artists.