Annual Carter Center auction offers chance to bid on a piece of history

ATLANTA — It may be a virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the annual Carter Center fundraising auction will still go on.

The fundraising event is held yearly to help the center, located in the heart of Atlanta just off John Lewis Freedom Parkway. As in many other years, the auction features a wide range of art and memorabilia, this year including an original painting by President Carter.

The four-day event kicks off today. On Saturday, the auction will also feature guest speakers, a special message from President Carter and his wife Rosalyn and detailed looks at the Center’s ongoing programs.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Atlanta protests over Jacob Blake take destructive turn in downtown; 8 arrested
• Paulding County school transitions into “hybrid” schedule
• Some Gwinnett County students, teachers are back in classrooms today

According to the Carter Center, Willie Nelson, Jon Stewart, and Hank and Billye Aaron will be among the guest speakers. The event will also feature events such as a town hall meeting with Jason Carter and Paige Alexander; along with staff discussions about Guinea worm eradication and election observation.

“Carter Center Weekend has been a favorite event of both donors and staff for more than a decade,” said Jason Carter, chairman of The Carter Center Board of Trustees.“ COVID-19 makes it impossible for us to see each other in person this year – but on the bright side, the fact that we’re doing this virtually means we can invite the entire world to be part of it,” he added.

Organizers say the auction’s highlight is an original oil painting by President Carter. The winning bidder can choose from one of three paintings – one featuring a branch of mountain laurel, one featuring two northern cardinals, and one featuring Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.

Other notable auction items include:

• A vintage Remington typewriter from Tom Hanks’ personal typewriter collection.

• A photo of President Carter with President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, signed by all three.

• A collection of Beatles memorabilia featuring a framed copy of “Help!” signed by Ringo Starr and a block of wood from the church where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met.

• A case of Presidential Reserve Rum bearing President Carter’s signature made at the Richland Rum Distillery in Richland, Georgia.

• A collection of Willie Nelson memorabilia that includes a signed guitar and a signed picture of Nelson and Mrs. Carter on stage.

• A handmade bowl that wood turner Matt Moulthrop made from a bulletwood tree that spent years submerged in the Panama Canal.

• A painting of monarch butterflies titled “Migration,” by artist Sherri Richards.

• A silk-screen by legendary Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl featuring his drawing of the throne he sat in on stage after he broke his leg on tour.

• A Damascus Bowie knife with a railroad spike handle hand forged by artist Jeremiah “Jeremy” Cohn.

Bidding on auction items will be open through the evening of Saturday, Aug. 29. You can go to the Carter Center’s website for the event for more information. Saturday’s events will be livestreamed on the Center’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

John Pruitt's Retirement: Covering Jimmy Carter John Pruitt's Retirement: Covering Jimmy Carter

Cox Media Group