Valued art up for auction

VISTA — A quarter-million dollar collection of fine art by the late internationally known painter Cleda-Marie Simmons will be auctioned at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 13 during a champagne reception at Gallery 204, located at 204 Main Street in Vista.
Heir to this collection, the artist’s son, Barry Simmons of Montana, will donate a portion of the auction’s proceeds to the Vista Art Foundation. Gallery 204, operated by the foundation, is the hometown gallery of the artist, who passed away four years ago. Artworks are valued from $760 to more than $6,800; but bidding will begin at $100 for smaller 30-inch paintings. Pieces measuring more than 30 inches will start at $400. The event organizers highlighted a set of three hinged screen room dividers painted on both sides.
Collectors of Simmons’ art reside in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Many fellow artists have noted that her modern style and techniques were ahead of her time. Using predominantly acrylic mixed media, Simmons painted pastel abstract and figurative works.
“This is an opportunity to own fine art and to spread the legacy of Simmons around the county to all who knew her, or appreciate a highly valued piece of art,” Barry Simmons said.
Well known for her generosity, Simmons contributed to San Diego Children’s Museum, Boys and Girls Club in Vista, Soroptimists International, San Diego County Library, and other charitable institutions. She was among the first artists to produce large-scale murals on public buildings to counteract graffiti in the 1970s.
Susan Roncone, president of the Vista Art Foundation, has more details about the auction and can be reached at (760) 271-8470.