Silent Auction - Astral Artists

Benefit Brunch
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Silent Auction
(Auction items as of April 1, 2016)
Payment
Acceptable forms of payment are check, VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, and Discover. Cash cannot be
accepted. All items must be picked up and paid for in full at the event.
Disclaimers
All sales are final. No exchanges or refunds on auction items are permitted, except where otherwise noted.
All items are sold “as-is” without recourse. Astral makes no warranty as to product performance or safety.
Please read the auction item vouchers and certificates carefully—some items have limitations or blackout
dates.
During the silent auction,
you can also contribute to Astral initiatives
You can further support Astral’s work during the reception’s silent auction by contributing any amount
you wish to the following initiatives:
•
•
Education & Community Engagement programming
New marketing & identity rebrand
The Items
Astral Artist Recitals
ITEM 101: Pianist Henry Kramer, private recital
“Nearly flawless…astonishingly confident technique…he dazzled the ear…There’s not much more to say
than, ‘Wow!’” (Cleveland Classical Review). Henry performs a 45-minute private recital program. Must be
a private recital; the artist may not be engaged for background music or for music within a ceremony.
Courtesy of: Henry Kramer
Fair Market Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $800
Incremental Bid: $100
Buy-It-Now: $1,500
ITEM 102: Violinist Nikki Chooi & cellist Christine Lamprea, private recital
The New Zealand Herald touts Nikki Chooi’s “blistering passion” and Incident Light called Christine
Lamprea “a firebrand.” Together Nikki and Christine perform a 45-minute private recital program. Must
be a private recital; the artists may not be engaged for background music or for music within a ceremony.
Courtesy of: Nikki Chooi & Christine Lamprea
Fair Market Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $800
Incremental Bid: $100
Buy-It-Now: $1,500
ITEM 103: Violinist Danbi Um, private recital
“Mesmerizing grace” (New York Classical Review). She “graced the music at every moment” (Oberon’s
Grove). Danbi and her accompanying pianist perform a 45-minute private recital program. Must be a
private recital; the artists may not be engaged for background music or for music within a ceremony.
Courtesy of: Danbi Um
Fair Market Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $800
Incremental Bid: $100
Buy-It-Now: $1,500
Astral Boutique
ITEM 201: Freshwater pearl necklace & earring set, by Susan Meier
Gold and freshwater pearls make the perfect pair in this necklace and earring set from Susan Meier. The
necklace of pearls sit on a 16” gold-filled chain, and the earrings feature a single freshwater pearl on gold
vermeil ovals.
Courtesy of: Susan Meier
Fair Market Value: $90
Opening Bid: $50
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $110
ITEM 202: Leather shoulder bag
This uniquely shaped shoulder bag is handcrafted in brown and black textured leather. 10” high x 10”
wide. 2” deep. 21” strap.
Courtesy of: Joan Goldstein
Fair Market Value: $250
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $230
ITEM 203: Silver & sodalite pendant
Sodalite has healing properties, bringing inner peace. The rich royal blue Brazilian gemstone is the focal
point of this handcrafted, sterling silver pendant by Joshi Jewelry.
Courtesy of: Joshi Rodriguez-Slobodien, Joshi Jewelry
Fair Market Value: $240
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $270
ITEM 204: Oovoo designer handbag
Asian and Western influences make this distinctive bag a handcrafted work of art. 100% hand-embroidery
means no two Oovoo bags are alike. Leather, suede, and silk. 12” high x 14” wide. 3.5” deep. 9” drop
handle.
Courtesy of: Joan Goldstein
Fair Market Value: $350
Opening Bid: $170
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $330
ITEM 205: Matilda Jane “Gloria” tween’s dress
The carefree, multi-patterned “Gloria” dress from Matilda Jane is perfect for summertime. Or pair it with
a long-sleeved tee and leggings for a colorful fall outfit. Tween size 10. Size runs large.
Courtesy of: Kelly Irwin Adams
Fair Market Value: $65
Opening Bid: $30
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $70
ITEM 206: Custom shoemaker gift certificate, from Robert Mathews
A $100 gift certificate towards a pair of Robert Mathews custom-made shoes, in the style and leather of
your choice. Rob grew up in a shoe-making family and learned his craft at an early age. He’ll work with you
to create a pair of shoes that are a pleasure to wear, for both fit and style. Choose from a selection of
original and classic styles, or Rob is happy to work from a design you provide to achieve the elegance and
comfort you desire.
Courtesy of: Robert Mathews Custom Shoemaker
Fair Market Value: $100
Opening Bid: $50
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $90
ITEM 207: Toddler girl’s summer outfit
This dress-and-bloomers set is just the cutest thing ever! Your little toddler will charm in her ladybugs and
daisies. Age 18 months-2 years.
Courtesy of: Vera Wilson
Fair Market Value: $50
Opening Bid: $25
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $60
ITEM 208: PONO necklace
PONO is luxury, Italian-made resin jewelry. This centerpiece necklace has 4 beaded strands in shades of
burnished gold and brown.
Courtesy of: Sophy Curson
Fair Market Value: $350
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $310
ITEM 209: Matilda Jane “Sienna” girl’s dress
Matilda Jane’s clothing designs are youthful, playful, and expressive. Their signature whimsical approach
to texture, pattern, and color capture the spirit and imagination of childhood. This darling woven dress is
in shades of peach and blue, with aqua ribbon trim. Girl’s size 6. Size runs large.
Courtesy of: Kelly Irwin Adams
Fair Market Value: $55
Opening Bid: $25
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $60
ITEM 210: MPR nest necklace
MPR Jewelry fans are flocking to the “nest necklace.” Meghan Patrice Riley’s delicate creation, nestled in
overlapping loops of stainless steel wire with nylon coating and eggs of pearls and semi-precious stones sits
snugly in this lightweight and intricate design. With sterling silver/14k gold-fill crimps. All stones sourced
within the U.S.
Courtesy of: Bonnie & Michael Slobodien
Fair Market Value: $230
Opening Bid: $160
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $260
ITEM 211: Black sapphire & pearl necklace, by Deborah Finn’s Rittenhouse Jewelers
This opulent dazzler will be the star of your special evening! 8 strands of black sapphire, black spinel, and
pearls. 28”.
Courtesy of: Laura Picciano
Fair Market Value: $2,200
Opening Bid: $1,500
Incremental Bid: $100
Philly Fun
ITEM 301: Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia tickets & Stephen Starr dinner, for 2
First, dine at any Stephen Starr restaurant of your choice with a $50 gift card, then hear The Chamber
Orchestra of Philadelphia with 2 tickets to its May 16, 2016 concert at the Kimmel Center—
“Mendelssohn/Brossé/Mozart,” featuring violinist Lana Trotovsek. Dinner gift card and concert tickets
may be used on separate occasions.
Courtesy of: The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia & Deborah Glass
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
Buy-It-Now: $140
ITEM 302: Philadelphia Museum of Art, for 4
Enjoy a day at the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art, for up to 4 people. The Museum’s collection offers
something for everyone, from the seasoned art connoisseur to the young, budding enthusiast, with a range
of American art, costumes and textiles, photography, modern art, European art and sculptures, Indian
and Himalayan art, and much more. Includes a copy of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Handbook. Valid
through November 29, 2016.
Courtesy of: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Fair Market Value: $105
Opening Bid: $50
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $110
ITEM 303: National Museum of American Jewish History, for 4
The only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish
experience, NMAJH explores American Jewish identity through lectures, panel discussions, authors’ talks,
films, children’s activities, theater, and music. The Museum has displayed more than 100 exhibitions, and
is the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in the world. 4 entrance passes, with no
expiration.
Courtesy of: National Museum of American Jewish History
Fair Market Value: $48
Opening Bid: $25
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $55
ITEM 304: Morris Arboretum, for 4
Spend some QT with family and friends exploring the 92-acres of majestic trees and lush gardens of the
Morris Arboretum in Chestnut Hill. This package includes 4 1-time-use passes to the Arboretum as well as
the book Always Growing: The Story of the Morris Arboretum. Passes valid through December 31, 2018.
Courtesy of: Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania
Fair Market Value: $83
Opening Bid: $40
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $80
ITEM 305: 76ers tickets, for 2
2 lower-level, side-court, aisle seats for a regular Philadelphia 76ers 2016-2017 season game at the Wells
Fargo Arena, plus a VIP parking pass. Date to be agreed upon between the winner and donor.
Courtesy of: Michael J. & Tamara Kline
Fair Market Value: $240
Opening Bid: $100
Incremental Bid: $10
Buy-It-Now: $220
ITEM 306: Phillies tickets, for 4
4 Phillies tickets with a preferred parking pass for the 3:05pm game v. the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, May
21, 2016. Best seats in the house—in front of the official scorer in the Hall of Fame Club section.
Courtesy of: Mark N. Steinberger & Ann C. Lebowitz
Fair Market Value: $300
Opening Bid: $180
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $340
ITEM 307: Philadelphia Chamber Music Society tickets, for 2
2 tickets to a Philadelphia Chamber Music Society performance this spring. Your choice of “Musicians
From Marlboro III” on Thursday, May 5, 2016; Astral laureate pianist Natalie Zhu’s Clarosa Quartet on
Sunday, May 15, 2016; or Astral violist Ayane Kozasa’s Aizuri Quartet with pianist Ignat Solzhenitsyn on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016.
Courtesy of: Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
Fair Market Value: $56
Opening Bid: $30
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $60
ITEM 308: Lantern Theater tickets & Stephen Starr dinner, for 2
Dinner with a $50 gift card for any one of restaurateur Stephen Starr’s 20 Philly hot spots, plus 2 tickets
to any performance in the Lantern Theater Company’s 2016-2017 season. Exclusions may apply. Dinner
gift card and theater tickets may be used on separate occasions.
Courtesy of: Lantern Theater Company & Deborah Glass
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
Buy-It-Now: $140
ITEM 309: Private docent-led tour of The Barnes Foundation Collection, for 4
A private tour of the legendary collection at The Barnes, led by docent and Astral board member Deborah
Glass, for your party of up to 4 people. Visit one of the world’s great collections of Impressionist and
Post-Impressionist art, and much more. If scheduled for April 2016, you may choose a tour of “Picasso:
The Great War, Experimentation, and Change.” Available by arrangement on a Sunday; or a Monday,
Thursday, or Friday afternoon.
Courtesy of: The Barnes Foundation & Deborah Glass
Fair Market Value: $250
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $270
ITEM 310: Pizza & People’s Light, for 2
2 tickets for a People’s Light performance between April 2016-April 2017. Exclusions may apply. Also
enjoy delicious coal fired pizza in a high-energy atmosphere, with a staff that treats you like family—at
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza. With locations in Wayne, Exton, Horsham, and Wilmington, you won’t have
to go far to grab a great slice! (2 $25 gift certificates.) Dinner gift certificates and theater tickets may be
used on separate occasions.
Courtesy of: Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & People’s Light
Fair Market Value: $135
Opening Bid: $65
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $125
ITEM 311: Private tour & lunch, with the President of PAFA, for 4
President David R. Brigham is your private tour guide of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and
afterwards, your host for lunch. 4 adults can take in the special exhibitions and outstanding permanent
collections of Philly’s North Broad Street classic. Valid through January 31, 2017.
Courtesy of: David R. Brigham & Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Fair Market Value: $250
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $270
ITEM 312: Astral soprano Sarah Shafer in Opera Philadelphia’s Elixir of Love
Astral soprano Sarah Shafer sings the starring role of Adina in Opera Philadelphia’s upcoming production
of Donizetti’s charming Elixir of Love. 2 best-available tickets for the Wednesday, May 4, 2016
performance. Best available seats at the time of redemption.
Courtesy of: Opera Philadelphia
Fair Market Value: $300
Opening Bid: $180
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $340
Wine & Dine
ITEM 401: Bucket o’ brews
Sample some of the region’s best-selling brews with this basket courtesy of the Sly Fox and Conshohocken
brewing companies. “Respect The Can” is the motto of the Pottstown-based Sly Fox Brewing Co., and
Conshy brews its suds in small batches, so each beer is uniquely crafted. The basket includes Sly Fox beer
samples, koozies, a t-shirt, a $25 Conshohocken Brewing Co. gift card, plus a pint glass from each
brewery.
Courtesy of: Sly Fox Brewing Co. & Conshohocken Brewing Co.
Fair Market Value: $80
Opening Bid: $40
Incremental Bid: $5
ITEM 402: Dinner for 2 at Fork
Ellen Yin’s iconic and sophisticated Old City New American restaurant has been wowing critics for a
decade, and Chef Eli Kulp was awarded Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2014. Treat yourself and a
special someone to dinner at Fork. $150 certificate is valid through reservation only, Sunday-Thursday.
Does not include tax, gratuity, or liquor. Valid through April 10, 2017.
Courtesy of: High Street Hospitality Group, Fork Restaurant
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
ITEM 403: Yards beer package
Philadelphia’s well-known Yards microbrewers “brew unto others” and specialize in ales of the English
tradition. A zippered Yards tote bag contains a $25 gift card, a tasty 6-pack sampler, and a pint glass for
sampling.
Courtesy of: Yards Brewing Co.
Fair Market Value: $45
Opening Bid: $20
Incremental Bid: $5
ITEM 404: Lunch for 2 at Day By Day
Day By Day’s catering is well known to Philadelphians, but its storefront restaurant at 21st & Sansom Streets
continues to receive rave reviews, serving fresh comfort food lunches and brunches to local “regulars,”
long before comfort food became a concept. Valid for lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Other exclusions may
apply.
Courtesy of: Day By Day Catering & Restaurant
Fair Market Value: $40
Opening Bid: $20
Incremental Bid: $5
ITEM 406: Dinner for 2 at Zahav & Zahav cookbook
James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov showcases the melting-pot cooking of Israel—with
Middle Eastern, North African, Mediterranean, and Eastern European influences—at Philly favorite
Zahav. This dinner-for-2 package includes Zahav: A World Of Israeli Cooking, which tells the personal
story of how Solomonov embraced the food of his birthplace. With its blend of technique and passion, you
can learn to make his food your own. Zahav: 237 St. James Place.
Courtesy of: Zahav & Kristen Golia
Fair Market Value: $135
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
ITEM 407: Gran Caffè l’Aquila gift card
Delizioso! Gran Caffè l’Aquila is both a restaurant and coffee roastery, offering 4 different house blends
and espressos. The Chestnut Street destination also boasts charcuterie and a wine and cocktail bar. And no
Italian experience is complete without gelato and Italian pastries—all at Gran Caffè l’Aquila. 1716 Chestnut
Street. $50 gift card.
Courtesy of: Gran Caffè l’Aquila
Fair Market Value: $50
Opening Bid: $30
Incremental Bid: $5
ITEM 408: 3 homemade pies, made to order
An Astral silent auction favorite! 3 pies made just for you by Philadelphia Inquirer music critic Dan
Webster. Made with seasonal berries and fruits, or pecan pies are available any time. All 3 pies are available
together, or individually at your request.
Courtesy of: Daniel Webster
Fair Market Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $40
Incremental Bid: $5
ITEM 409: Dinner at Abe Fisher
Inspired by the cuisine of the Jewish diaspora, James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov serves
delectable small plates and prix fixes meals in the lively, retro atmosphere of Abe Fisher. A $100 gift card.
1623 Sansom Street.
Courtesy of: Abe Fisher
Fair Market Value: $100
Opening Bid: $60
Incremental Bid: $10
ITEM 410: Valenzano wine basket
This family winery in Burlington County, New Jersey, is a double gold medal-winner of numerous wine
competitions. Valenzano’s tempting basket includes 3 select bottles from their vineyard, glassware, some
tasty nibbles, plus a winery tour and tasting for 2. Exclusions may apply.
Courtesy of: Valenzano Family Winery
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
ITEM 411: California Dreamin’ red wine basket
Spectacular reds from great estates. These extraordinary offerings are at or near their prime, and ready for
the dinner table. Each bottle exceeds 90 on Robert Parker’s ratings. It’s recommended that all wines
breathe for 2 hours before consuming. Enjoy!
Courtesy of: Jim & Keith Straw
Fair Market Value: $1,250
Opening Bid: $750
Incremental Bid: $100
ITEM 412: Dinner for 6 & toy train tour
All aboard the Swarthmore local for a home-cooked dinner for up to 6 guests, at the home of Astral
President Vera Wilson. Dinner is topped off by a tour of Vera’s husband Murray’s personal collection of
toy steam trains. To be scheduled for the spring or fall of 2016.
Courtesy of: Vera & Murray Wilson
Fair Market Value: Priceless
Opening Bid: $300
Incremental Bid: $50
ITEM 413: Regal reds
A sumptuous package of 6 imported and domestic high-end, luscious reds.
Courtesy of: Astral’s Board of Directors
Fair Market Value: $330
Opening Bid: $180
Incremental Bid: $20
ITEM 414: French wine & cheese pairing for up to 10, hosted by Jim Straw
Astral Board Chair Jim Straw, foodie and wine connoisseur, hosts a wine and cheese tasting event for up to
10 people, featuring pairings of French cheeses and Burgundies. Includes 5 cheese courses of 3 cheeses
each, an intermezzo salad, and dessert. The Burgundies include mature premier and grand cru wines,
both Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Courtesy of: Jim & Keith Straw
Fair Market Value: $850
Opening Bid: $500
Incremental Bid: $100
ITEM 415: Champagne trio
Toast your special occasion with 3 lovely, assorted bottles of bubbly. Cheers!
Courtesy of: Astral’s Board of Directors
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
ITEM 416: Bountiful wine basket
You’re all set for any occasion with this abundant assortment of 12 imported and domestic reds and whites.
Courtesy of: Astral’s Board of Directors
Fair Market Value: $290
Opening Bid: $160
Incremental Bid: $20
Treat Yourself
ITEM 501: 1-hour massage
Deep relaxation of the body, mind, and spirit. Unwind with a relaxing 1-hour massage, by Isa Goldfarb,
LMT (member, Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals). Isa’s therapeutic specialties include
Swedish, Esalen, and hot stone massage, as well as acupressure, Polarity, geriatric massage, Reiki,
Feldenkrais Method, and Zero Balancing.
Courtesy of: Isa Goldfarb
Fair Market Value: $85
Opening Bid: $50
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $100
ITEM 502: Salon Ricochet basket
This basket of luxurious Eufora hair products—shampoo, conditioner, and everything you need to perfect
your style—includes a $55 gift card to Center City’s Salon Ricochet, in the historic Philadelphia Building
at Juniper & Sansom Streets.
Courtesy of: Salon Ricochet
Fair Market Value: $200
Opening Bid: $100
Incremental Bid: $10
Buy-It-Now: $220
Astral Gallery
ITEM 601: Candle holder, by Studio Cidra
A handcrafted, 3-tiered cherry wood candle holder, finished with coconut oil and beeswax. 9” tall. From
Studio Cidra, Philadelphia specialists in handmade American Modern furniture.
Courtesy of: Studio Cidra
Fair Market Value: $80
Opening Bid: $40
Incremental Bid: $5
Buy-It-Now: $90
ITEM 602: Watercolor painting, by Beth Glendinning
A lovely, hand-painted watercolor of flowers, by Astral board member Beth Glendinning. Alstroemeria,
coleus, and dusty miller, in a 10.75” sq. carved gold frame.
Courtesy of: Beth Glendinning
Fair Market Value: $150
Opening Bid: $80
Incremental Bid: $10
Buy-It-Now: $180
ITEM 603: 3 ceramic bowls, by Liz Kinder
3 hand-thrown, glazed stoneware serving bowls in shades of purple, by Philadelphia ceramicist Liz Kinder.
Wax resistant. Food-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe.
Courtesy of: Liz Kinder
Fair Market Value: $250
Opening Bid: $150
Incremental Bid: $20
Buy-It-Now: $270
ITEM 604: Framed Italian oil painting
“Crepuscolo sul porticciolo” (“Dusk on the harbor”) by Alberto Cecconi (1897-1971). Oil on canvas.
Purchased in Italy and framed by Philadelphia specialist of fine art framing, Ursula Hobson. 21”h x 29”w
framed.
Courtesy of: Cordelia & Don Delson
Fair Market Value: $2,500
Opening Bid: $1,000
Incremental Bid: $100