At a Secret Sale, Artist Is Anybody's Guess

Sculptor Mark di Suvero's works have sold at auction for nearly $1 million apiece, but for art buyers who want to snag one of his latest creations, one needs only $250 — and a keen eye. Tonight, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council will host a "secret sale," consisting of works on paper from 200 contemporary artists, as part of its "Downtown Dinner" benefit. Funds raised from the event will support the council's arts programming.

All of the artwork, which includes pieces from blue-chip artists such as Mr. di Suvero, Marilyn Minter, Anthony Caro, Kiki Smith, and Lois Dodd, as well as from current LMCC resident artists, will be priced at $250. The catch? None of it will be labeled, meaning $250 might buy an Yvonne Jacquette — or the work of a recent art school grad.

The idea for the sale came from the president of the LMCC, Maggie Boepple, who credited a colleague in London, the former fine art development officer at the Royal College of Art, Susie Allen, with the concept. Ms. Allen helped organize a similar fund-raising effort for the Royal College. That sale featured works by artists Peter Blake and Chris Ofili, and musician Peter Bowie.

Although some of the works might have fetched far more money if sold at auction, Ms. Boepple said the idea of a secret sale appealed both to guests who might not otherwise bid on high-priced pieces and to the artists themselves. "Auctions are very difficult for artists," Ms. Boepple said, referring to charity auctions. "They're asked all the time, they often don't give their best works, and if the work doesn't sell it's awful for the artists."

The sale will take place prior to the dinner, which will honor Mayor Bloomberg, First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris, playwright Edward Albee, and Ms. Smith. Attendees will be permitted to purchase up to four works a person. "It's a democratizing process," Ms. Boepple said. "Usually, you would not get a Tony Caro or a Kiki Smith for $250, plus tax."

Tickets for the event start at $1,000.