Project Angel Food & Bonhams Host 'ANGEL ART' Auction for LA Wildfire Relief

Project Angel Food‘s latest charity auction with Bonhams, ANGEL ART 2025, marks its 22nd edition and the first since 2019.

Originally launched in 1993 with David Hockney as Honorary Chair, the event has raised over $11 million USD to date. This year, the goal is to raise $400,000 USD to support those affected by the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. The organization has seen a 10% surge in clients served, many of whom are elderly or dealing with respiratory conditions worsened by poor air quality.

Among the highlights of ANGEL ART 2025 are contributions from artists who lost their homes or were displaced by the fires, demonstrating the resilience of the creative community. Moreover, Hypeart featured select works from the charity auction in their ‘THRESHOLD’ exhibition at Bonhams LA during Frieze Week in Los Angeles to further amplify the reach of the fundraising effort.

Alexandra Grant, Honorary Chair, emphasized the importance of supporting Project Angel Food’s mission, stating, “What Project Angel Food does every day and in days of crisis is the same – care, nourish and feed people. Your support can help bring more deserving clients into the PAF community over a longer term. Food is LOVE!”

Margo Wolowiec purple Rain I 2018

Lilly Chan, Managing Director of Bonhams US, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Bonhams’ commitment to supporting Project Angel Food’s critical work. The auction will feature works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Awol Erizku, Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine, Todd Gray and Richard Misrach, among others. Notably, Misrach’s piece “10.31.98 5:05 PM” was donated in honor of his mother, Lucille, a longtime volunteer for Project Angel Food.

Bonhams has generously waived all fees for the auction, ensuring that 100% of the proceeds go directly to Project Angel Food’s meal programs. For more information about ANGEL ART 2025 or to purchase tickets, visit angelfood.org/angelart2025. The auction is also live at bonhams.com/angelart.

Learn more about Project Angel’s mission and the charity auction below.

How did you select the artists or artworks to highlight in your charity auction? Was there a particular criteria?
The selection of artists and artworks for the ANGEL ART auction was led by a host committee composed of leaders in the contemporary art world and major supporters of Project Angel Food. This group recommended and contacted artists, galleries, foundations and collectors to support the cause. The artists who were approached have supported Project Angel Food in the past. Our esteemed committee utilized their networks to share the mission of Project Angel Food and its historical support from the arts community during the AIDS crisis, which aided in securing donations of artworks to fund our medically tailored meal program, especially now as we serve hundreds more affected by the devastating fires.

What impact do you hope this charity auction will have on both the artists involved and the communities benefiting from the relief efforts?

This is an unprecedented moment for Los Angeles, and it has been inspiring to see the art community unite strongly to support the fire relief efforts. Project Angel Food is a well-established and trusted charity known for serving our city’s crises year after year. Artists were eager to contribute, knowing that the proceeds would directly benefit some of our city’s most vulnerable populations. One of the most inspirational artists is Salomón Huerta, who lost his home in the Eaton fire. He will be attending and part of the live auction.

He says: “I can’t focus on what we lost. I need to focus on how we recover. The support from the art community and my collectors has been beyond belief. We are the lucky ones when others are not as fortunate. Project Angel Food is helping those who can’t help themselves. My studio was in a separate location from my home, so I had work to donate to Angel Art and that’s the least I can do. I’m blessed, and having the opportunity to give back in this way is one of those blessings.”

We believe with the phenomenal support of Bonhams, the committee, the media and the art community as a whole; Angel Art 2025 can raise $400,000 USD for our fire relief fund, not only caring for people in this moment, but for years to come. We like to say, as Los Angeles rebuilds its communities; we’ll be here to rebuild the health of those impacted by the long term effects of the fires. As Project Angel Food CEO, Richard Ayoub, says, “Project Angel Food is there before, during and after a crisis.” 

Elizabeth Neel us 11 2019

Share some highlights of your favorite pieces from the charity auction. How do these works evoke your relief efforts or overall mission?
The auction features works from notable artists and emerging artists such as Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Awol Erizku, Helen Frankenthaler, Jim Dine, Todd Gray and Richard Misrach.  One example is Richard Misrach’s “10.31.98 5:05 PM” (1998/2019), estimated at $15,000-$25,000 USD. It is a signed and numbered pigment print donated by the artist in honor of his mother Lucille, a longtime volunteer for Project Angel Food for more than 20 years. This piece captures the Golden Gate in a series that reflects on light and atmosphere, offering an ethereal view of a familiar scene. Misrach’s involvement highlights the deep connections between the arts community and our mission. We are also thrilled to include a compelling photograph of Betty White, who was a longtime donor to Project Angel Food by renowned photographer Kwaku Alston. This is special as it will also be featured on a US Postage Stamp honoring Betty White that will be released next month.

Works from a few artists who lost everything in the fire yet still contributed underscore the resilience and kindness of the arts community. Our artist outreach emphasized the theme of transformation, which resonated deeply, leading to the donation of over 70 works.

Tell us about your collaboration with Bonhams. How did it come about and what was the process like?
Our collaboration with Bonhams came about more than a decade ago, when our kitchen was located near them on Sunset Boulevard, before moving to 922 Vine Street. The relationship was reignited through one of our committee members. After discussing potential venues for the relaunch of Angel Art after a six year hiatus, we reconnected with Bonhams, which had supported Project Angel Food in the early 2000s. The partnership was quickly re-established and Bonhams was one of the first to offer significant support after the fires.

“This sort of philanthropy in action is an inspiration of what is possible when people rise to the challenge of a moment to lift people and communities up during a time of need.”

The process involved weekly Zoom meetings attended by the Bonhams team, showcasing their commitment and professionalism. And, in an astonishing show of generosity, Bonhams is not taking a penny to support the online and in person auction events. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Project Angel Food’s vital services. Let that soak in for a minute. The preeminent global auction house Bonhams, known throughout the world as being the best of the best, is working tirelessly, committing staff and resources, and getting nothing but a thank you in return. This sort of philanthropy in action is an inspiration of what is possible when people rise to the challenge of a moment to lift people and communities up during a time of need.

How can people learn more about your organization’s relief efforts? Please share any links or resources for our audience.

For more information about ANGEL ART 2025 or to purchase tickets, please visit angelfood.org/angelart2025. The auction is also live at bonhams.com/angelart. For additional details about Project Angel Food and our ongoing efforts, visit angelfood.org.