MEDIA RELEASE

The result far exceeded Scholarship Auction director Bernard Nogues’ estimate of what might be possible in this challenging economic environment.  On April 25, at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel Ballroom, during an evening that Nogues now describes as “magical,” $612,650 was raised for the school’s financial aid program.

Peter Stremmel of Stremmel Gallery in Reno presided over his first HPA Scholarship Auction and tirelessly moved 87 items in two hours.  Stremmel runs the celebrated Coeur d’Alene Auction in Reno, the largest western art auction in the United States.

“As fundraising auctions go, HPA’s Scholarship Auction was tops,” said Stremmel.  “The auction items were all unique and among the best I’ve ever seen, and the enthusiasm and generosity of the audience were extraordinary.  Great congratulations to Bernard Nogues, his fine staff, and the students of HPA for making this event such a success.”             

Bids ranged from $1,000 to $77,500 with spirited bidding for “hot” items such as Madge Tennent’s Quilter, a small oil, for $45,000; two rare poi pounders (a ring pounder and a stirrup pounder) from Kaua‘i for $5,500, a rare 1898 watercolor by Henry Nappenbach titled Honolulu Fish Market for $22,000, a small-scale model of a wa’a kaulua (Hawaiian sailing canoe) by Miles Fry for $10,000, Peter Hayward’s Kahuku Homestead, Oahu, a large oil, for $11,000; and D. Howard Hitchcock’s Kahana Bay, an oil on board, for $17,000.

Another popular item was Keawaiki, North Kona, an oil on canvas by HPA alumnus Harry Wishard, which sold for $8,000.  There also were numerous trips, one-of-a-kind wooden bowls, jewelry, and furniture. 

Nogues, who has directed every auction since the first one in 1974, said, “In these difficult times, the need for financial aid is greater than ever and this auction was of special importance, not only to HPA but to the children whose dreams are fulfilled through the Scholarship Program.  We are deeply grateful to those who, in a gesture of solidarity and love, made this auction possibly the greatest one ever. We did have a collection of items second to none, but it would have been of no avail without an enthusiastic and generous audience.”