NEW YORK, NY.- Peter Beard, Alex Katz, Alexander Calder, Andy Warhol, Mary Sibande, Hunt Slonem, Nick Cave, Mickalene Thomas, E.V. Day, Jeff Sonhouse, Beezy Bailey and Sue Williamson are among the artists whose works have been donated to the Art for Africa™ Auction, a unique auction presenting leading American, African-American and African contemporary artists which will be held at Sotheby’s New York on Thursday, November 17th, 2011.

This is the second Art for Africa™ Auction which follows the remarkable success of the inaugural Art for Africa™ Auction held at Sotheby’s in London on 21st September, 2009. The proceeds from the New York sale will continue to benefit Africa Foundation’s work in support of orphaned and vulnerable children living in some of the poorest rural communities in South and Eastern Africa.

Artists who have pledged work include, from the U.S. - Peter Beard, Paul Balmer, Ross Bleckner, Alexander Calder, Nick Cave, E.V. Day, Thornton Dial, Caio Fonseca, Alex Katz, Gary Komarin, Julian Lethbridge, Matt Magee, Nabil Nahas, Hunt Slonem, Shinique Smith, Jeff Sonhouse, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Andy Warhol, Purvis Young and Donald Baechler.

From Africa - Beezy Bailey, Hasan and Husain Essop, Dylan Lewis, Peterson Kamwathi, Thomas Mulcaire & Ricardo de Oliveira, Mikhael Subotzky, Mary Sibande, Creative Block, Frances Goodman and Sue Williamson.

Africa Foundation (USA) will host a Gala Dinner to launch the auction catalogue on 12th October that will also feature highlights of the Art for Africa™ New York collection. The entire collection will be exhibited at Sotheby’s New York from 12th -17th November.

Krista Krieger, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Africa Foundation (USA) says, “Africa Foundation has been hard at work for the past 20 years, partnering with communities to dramatically improve the lives of women, children and families. Due to the incredible generosity of some of the leading contemporary artists of our time, Art for Africa™ is able to improve the lives of thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children. We are grateful to all of the artists, galleries and sponsors who have enabled us to fulfill our mission.”

Scott Nussbaum, Sotheby’s Contemporary Art Specialist said: “Sotheby’s New York is thrilled to be hosting the second Art for Africa auction. The first highly successful sale in London saw enormous enthusiasm from collectors for works by some of the rising stars of African and International Contemporary Art. We once again look forward to presenting the work of cutting-edge African artists alongside some of the major names in American Contemporary art to raise money for this wonderful charity.”

“Northern Trust’s philanthropy efforts are all about improving the lives of people in need and to support education and the arts,” Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick H. Waddell said. "We are able to make progress in all three areas through our support of the Africa Foundation’s Art for Africa Auction in New York. We are proud to sponsor an event that funds education for children in rural South African communities while raising the profile of contemporary artists, from both the United States and Africa.”