Profitable ‘Evening With Sam Francis’ Aids Medical Research Foundation

One normally wouldn’t shop for contemporary art at a Beverly Hills department store. But Wednesday night was an exception, as Robinson’s hosted “An Evening With Sam Francis,” recognizing the internationally acclaimed artist, saluting the Museum of Contemporary Art and benefiting the Sam Francis Foundation, which provides funding for medical research on infectious and environmental diseases.

A buffet supper on the Robinson’s patio was followed by an auction of two of the artist’s works. “Untitled” (1976), an acrylic work on paper, sold to Selwyn Bleifer, who outbid Posey Carpentier, for $52,500. Carpentier was, however, victorious on the second piece, also entitled “Untitled.” The large Francis print sold for a round figure of $25,000. Then guests got back to meeting Francis personally and eating seafood ravioli and chocolate pizza.