FINE ART AUCTION RAISES FUNDS

ANNE MCKEE ARTISTS’ FUND SUPPORTS LOCAL CREATIVITY

Elizabeth Schweitzer

citrus flavors and is mostly used in the production of Spanish brandy. They have been making brandy in Spain since the 8th century and today the nation produces about 80 million bottles of brandy a year. There are bottlings of Airén blended with Viura, Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, while Lussory makes a non-alcoholic wine with Airén.

... is a wine lover and expert, and is the eighth woman in the world to earn the title of master sommelier, the highest professional qualification in the hospitality industry.

‘A’ is also for Amarone (ah-mahrow-nee), a wine made in Veneto, Italy, specifically, from the province of Valpolicella, from the partially dried grapes of Corvina with Rondinella and other approved grapes. The name Amarone translates to “great bitter.” The ripe grapes are left to dry on straw mats for about 120 days, then they are fermented and aged in large oak casks. The final result is a very powerful, ripe, luxurious and full-bodied wine with low acidity and high alcohol.

Until next time … cheers!

LIZ’S WINE PICKS

Save a little: Albarinho Martin Codax, Rias Baixas, Spain. Martin Codax was a 13th century troubadour whose romantic songs are still sung locally. This wine is crisp and elegant with notes of pear, apple and melon. It is bright and un-oaked and a perfect example of this varietal. Try it with apricots and Spanish cheese, steamed mussels, Asian food with ginger and empanadas. Under $20.

Spend a little: Amarone della Valpolicella Zenato Classico. Dark red color. Aromas of dried fruits, perfume, roses, figs and blackberries. Silky, complex, full-bodied, lots of personality, with flavors of cassis, truffles, dark chocolate, mixed berries, some herbs and a long lingering finish. It is best served with stews, earthy dishes, braised meat or strong cheese. $70 to $80.

The Anne McKee Artists Fund is gearing up for its biggest event of the year: the 28th Annual Fine Art Auction to be held Sunday, March 12 at The Studios of Key West.

Tickets are on sale at mckeefund.org.

This year, 42 works of fine art will be auctioned. The artwork offers something for every taste, including photography, oils, sculpture, watercolors, jewelry, ceramics and more. Many of the artists are former Anne McKee Fund grant recipients whose work is highly prized.

The artwork has begun previewing on the Anne McKee Fund’s website as well as on its Facebook and Instagram pages. The live viewing of these fine works begins with an art opening on March 2 at The Studios of Key West. The works will remain on display in the gallery until the auction on March 12.

Artists who participate in the auction receive 50% of the proceeds from the sale of their work, while the McKee Fund receives the remainder. That money is used as grants to Keys artists for select projects. Founded by longtime Key West resident Anne McKee, the nonprofit fund has awarded more than $400,000 to more than 450 artists since 1994.

“When I started, I thought it would help people buy frames and materials,” said McKee. “I never dreamed it would help people do so many big things.”

As well as fine artwork, attractions at the auction include gourmet hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the auction begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and $60 for VIP seating and can be purchased at mckeefund.org.

— Contributed