Artists Show Support of Friends

For years, first as a parent and now as a parent of alumni, Purdy Eaton P '25, '28 has donated works of art to the annual Contemporary Art Auction, which is part of the annual Benefit. Her work is coveted by many and this year’s submission, Sleuth, an oil painting of a bear, is no exception. Purdy, who now lives in rural Connecticut, comments, “We all grew up loving our childhood stuffed bears, yet in nature we often fear them and regard them as a nuisance. This bear engages the viewer, reminding us we need to co-exist with the natural world. We all drink the same water, breathe the same air.” The School is also grateful to Parent of Alumnae Patrik Graham ’31 who continues to contribute his work to the Auction.

Proceeds from the Auction will go to Artists for Artists, an endowed fund for financial aid for the children of artists. The fund, which stands at $189,000, was established at the 2022 Benefit and will support the long tradition of artists who choose Friends for their children. Their presence contributes to an open, inclusive and equitable environment that the School continuously strives for. The Preview for Contemporary Art Preview will be held February 23-25 and the annual Benefit on March 9.