Storm Won’t Delay Children’s Art Auction

Hurricane Sandy has driven the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression from its office building in lower Manhattan, but ABFFE is continuing its preparations for a Holiday Children’s Art Auction to launch on eBay on November 27.

The storm pushed more than four feet of water into the lobby of the building in the South Street Seaport and damaged electrical equipment, but this hasn’t kept ABFFE staff from continuing to solicit donations of art for the auction, which supports the organization’s efforts to defend the free speech rights of kids.

“Sandy was a setback, but we have a lot to be grateful for,” said ABFFE President Chris Finan. “Our office itself was not damaged, and the art that we had already collected is safe and sound. We are confident that we will be able to launch on time.” 

The deadline for submitting art has been extended to November 21.  Art can be sent to the American Booksellers Association until the ABFFE office reopens. 

The Holiday Children’s Art Auction, featuring original art from the book industry’s leading artists and illustrators, is the online version of the annual auction held at BookExpo America.

More information about contributing to the auction is available online.  A donation form has also been posted. Those interested in donating art should contact Finan by e-mail or at (917) 509-0340.