-Advertising signs, the old tin and paper placards that hung in general stores, dry-goods emporiums, bars and corner groceries, are now commanding prices of $10,000 or more. According to the October issue of Americana Magazine, these signs are now viewed as valuable works of advertising art.
Highest in demand are signs dating from the third quarter of the 19th century to the 1920s - when mass advertising in America came into its own. Collectors of advertising art tend to bid only for mechanically printed, usually lithographed, signs. The best ones depict charming period vignettes as well as others that are almost surreal and look surprisingly modern.Prices for advertising art increased sharply last April during an auction of the Peter Sidlow collection in New Hope, Pa. Top price at the sale set the current rec-ord for an advertising sign. $44,000 was paid for a Campbell's soup sign that Sidlow had bought in 1981 for $3,700. The sign's combination of the flag and soup cans bears a startling resemblance to the 1960s pop art of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns.
-The Utah Women's Art Project is sponsoring a kick-off event to prepare for an art exhibition in the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. It is set for Friday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Salt Lake Art Center, 10 S. West Temple. Activities include: 6:30 - orientation and introductions; 7:00 - music, performance art and discussion; and 8:30, a spontaneous collaboration. For details, call Renee Fitzpatrick at 364-8284.
-Jenkyn A. Powell of Salt Lake is exhibiting a number of his stained-glass windows and sculptural leaded-glass works in London, England. They are being featured at the Museum of Moving Images. Powell shares exhibition space with three-dimensional film animator Ray Harryhausen. The show continues through March 15, 1990.
Powell writes a column for Glass Art Magazine and other national glass publications. He also lectures on stained-glass painting, sculpture and restoration across the nation. In the spring, he will be lecturing in Hollywood, Fla., at the national Glass Art Business Show.
-The Kimball Art Center will hold its 11th Annual Art Auction in the center's Main Gallery on Friday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. The Live Auction will follow (from 7:30 to 9 p.m.). Tom Bock from KLCY Radio will be the auctioneer.
Many quality art pieces have been donated by generous artists from the Park City Art Festival, the Kimball Art Center Gallery and Gift Show and the Park City Artist Association. They include paintings, ceramics, fiber arts, jewelry, glass and other mediums.
All proceeds from the auction will go to the Kimball Art Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts. Cost of the auction is $15 per person. For reservations and/or information, call the Kimball Art Center, 649-8882.
-Lectures, workshops, etc.
Sunday, Oct. 29, 4 p.m., Utah Museum of Fine Arts - Gallery talk by W. Richard Hil-dreth, director, The State Arboretum of Utah, in conjunction with new exhibit "The Art of Botany."
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 7 p.m., Salt Lake Art Center - Photographic Film Series featuring films "Barbara Kruger" and "A.D. Coleman."
Wednesday, Nov. 1, noon, Salt Lake Art Center (328-4201) - Lecture by photographic artist Laurel Mabey. Part of "Art-Lunch" lecture series.
Saturday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kimball Art Center, Park City (649-8882) - Beginning of two-day watercolor workshop with Karen Christensen.
Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Salt Lake Art Center - Photographic Film Series featuring "Robert Heineken" and "Marcia Resnick."
Nov. 8, noon, Salt Lake Art Center (328-4201) - Lecture by artist/educator David W. Pursley.
Richard P. Christenson