Allan Houser Sculpture from Previously Lost Mold to be Auctioned to Benefit Arts Education in Northern New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico. (PRWEB) May 4, 2008 -- Allan Houser Inc has announced that it will be donating the first casting of a reissued series of "Standing Owl" to the Santa Fe Rotary Foundation. The donation, which will auctioned off at the Annual Artist of the Year Gala, will benefit the Santa Fe Rotary Foundation's annual fundraising efforts to support arts education programs across Northern New Mexico.

"Standing Owl", also known simply as "Owl l", was originally cast by the Nambe Mills, but it was believed that the mold for this 4½" high example of Allan Houser's work was lost in a fire at Nambe Mills in 1972. The original mold was, however, recently discovered at Allan Houser, Inc's facilities south of Santa Fe and his family made the decision to reissue the work in a special series.

"Allan Houser dedicated much of his life to arts education and we felt it was very appropriate to donate the first of this reissued series of "Standing Owl" to the Santa Fe Rotary Foundation's efforts in this area" said Kim Bourne, CEO of Allan Houser, Inc. "The owl is of course a symbol of wisdom and knowledge and this beautiful little piece is a wonderful example of Allan Houser's work"

Santa Fe Rotary Foundation's Annual Artist of the Year Gala will be held on May 10, 2008 and "Standing Owl" will be featured among the items being auctioned at that event. The proceeds will benefit a number of organizations focusing on arts education for children in Northern New Mexico.

Allan Houser, Inc. was established in 1982 and its mission is to preserve and present the lifetime work of the Modern American Master Artist, Allan Houser. It also produces limited edition works from original molds or patterns created by Allan Houser and from molds provided by other select artists. Its offices are on a 110 acre estate south of Santa Fe which encompasses the late artist's studios, sculpture gardens, a gallery, and full-service art foundry. It also operates a gallery in downtown Santa Fe and maintains affiliations with galleries and museums across the US and the world.

Santa Fe Rotary Foundation for the Arts is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to inspire the youth of our community by providing service, support, scholarships, and funding for arts in education, and to encourage personal growth. Proceeds from the annual Artist of the Year Gala Dinner, which this year celebrates the life and work of two renowned artists - husband and wife - Bruce Nauman and Susan Rothenberg, will be held Saturday May 10th at The Scottish Rite Temple and will benefit art education for the children of Northern New Mexico. Tickets may be purchased by calling (505) 984-1133.

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