O’Leary, Six Minnesotans Featured In “The Art of ____” Auction

Six Minnesota artists are being featured in a fundraising event at the Bonhams International contemporary art auction in Los Angeles. “The Art Of_” auction runs from May 2-13. 

One specific artist of note is Joseph O’Leary. As an LGBTQ artist, O’Leary’s photographs focus on bearded men with astonishing light signatures. He is also known for his work in photographing pottery in various color settings. 

After receiving his BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, O’Leary went on to start Veto Design, a small, yet prolific design studio. That studio’s clients include a variety of cultural, arts, and educational organizations and institutions, including the Walker Art Center, the San Francisco Symphony, Northern Clay Center and Highpoint Center for Printmaking. 

For nearly 30 years, O’Leary designed artist’s catalogs and books, and directing photoshoots for a variety of clients and organizations. O’Leary is driven to deliver to his “aesthetically savvy clients.” He is currently based “on a hobby farm near Minneapolis,” according to O’Leary’s website. 

The other Minnesota artists featured in this auction include Berit Mondale, Shelly Mosman, Jake Armour, Leon Hushcha, and Nancy Bundt. It is worth noting that Mondale is related to the late former Vice President under President Jimmy Carter and longtime Senator from Minnesota, and Bundt used to be the official photographer during Prince’s “Purple Rain” concert tour. 

The funds raised from this auction will go to the Laurel Foundation. This foundation provides free year-round educational, mental health and social support programs specifically to empower transgender/gender diverse youth from across the country. 

The international online auction is set to feature more than 75 donated contemporary paintings, sculptures, photographs, and objects. Online bidding will open May 2nd at 3:00 PM and close on May 13^th at 3:00 PM. 

To learn more about the “The Art Of _” auction, register for the auction, please visit https://laurel-foundation.org/theartof/.