VCU art auction to benefit Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund

By Marcia Meredith

More than 50 watercolor paintings by W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., D.D.S., a Richmond dentist and landscape artist, will be featured at a benefit art auction at 6 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Stuart C. Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St.

Proceeds from the "Roots, Canals and Bridges" auction will contribute to the VCU Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund. Additionally, each donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the VCU Foundation.

"I consider these paintings the best work I’ve ever done," said Perkinson. "However, the most rewarding aspect of this event is knowing that every penny donated will benefit student athletes."

VCU has approximately 230 men and women athletes involved in a variety of sports including soccer, tennis, basketball and others. The university is part of the NCAA Division I with teams in the Colonial Athletic Association.

A preview of works to be auctioned will be held from Oct. 20-Nov. 4 on the first floor of VCU’s Medical College of Virginia Alumni House, 1016 E. Clay St. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A VCU alumnus, Perkinson’s affiliation with VCU includes serving as vice rector on the board of visitors, a member of the MCV Hospitals Authority Board and an adjunct professor in dentistry. He began his artistic career more than 20 years ago.

Perkinson, who has never sold a watercolor for personal profit, also has earned a reputation for giving back to the community. He has been a leader in supporting dental research at VCU, and he has given countless paintings to patients, employees and charities. In 1992, the Richmond-Times Dispatch recognized Perkinson with its Community Service Award for Philanthropic Community Involvement.

To promote the auction, calendars, mugs and T-shirts featuring Perkinson’s works will be sold beginning in mid-October at both VCU campus bookstores, as well as at OnLine@VCU in the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

Admission for the auction is $50 per person. Tickets are limited. For more information call 828-1200.