Interesting art from a worldwide palette has been a hallmark of Texarkana’s Mount Sinai Temple Art Exhibition and Auction, and this year is no exception.

The congregation will host its annual art auction Saturday, Aug. 23, with viewing starting at 6:30 p.m. and the auction commencing at 7:30 p.m.

Once again, Dallas-based art dealer Perry Berns of the Perry Berns Gallery will be the auctioneer for the evening, a job he’s performed for more than 30 years.

“He will be bringing in hundreds of pieces of art, predominantly that which will be hung. It will range from traditional to contemporary. He’s been doing this for these three decades so he has a wonderful feel for the community, their interests,” said Barbara Glick, who is organizing the auction along with others in the Mount Sinai congregation.

Variety will be another key facet of this year’s auction.

“There will not only be a range of style but a range of prices. There will be those pieces that truly are signed posters and those that are collector pieces from the collector’s corner,” Glick said.

Berns said oil paintings, watercolors, lithographs, serigraphs, and acrylics are among the artistic pieces to be auctioned.

“There’s some exciting new things by some artists that we’ve brought before and some new artists that have not been seen before,” said Berns. “As usual, the prices will be far below what the normal gallery price would be. All art will be custom framed with most starting between $50 and $400 with a special selection of art with starting prices between $500 and on up into the thousands.”

He works with artists from all over the world, many seeking him out to get their work viewed in places they’d ordinarily not be shown.

“I purchase it, I frame it, and I give artists exposure in places they may not be seen,” said Berns, noting artists are also happy to help in fundraising.

“The organizations benefit by receiving a percentage of the gross sales and the individual buyers are getting quality at a great price,” he added about his approach to the auction.

Glick said the auction benefits projects undertaken by the Mount Sinai congregation.

“It’s the only fundraiser that we do, and the community has been absolutely wonderful about supporting it,” she said.

She said a history of the piece and artist are discussed when it’s brought up for bidding. The auction will go on as long as individuals want pieces open for bidding.

“We welcome those that have supported the event for the past several years and encourage new guests to come and see,” said Glick.



(Complimentary wine and cheese will be offered. A donation of $5 per person is requested. Mount Sinai Temple is located at 1310 Walnut St.)