Final works of well-known Fresno artist to be auctioned

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The final pieces of artwork by a Fresno artist who passed away this year will go up for auction this weekend.

Pat Kirkegaard was deeply involved in the local art community and passed away in February at the age of 88.

She was known as an active supporter of the local arts scene.

Images of nature and colorful abstract art were among Kirkegaard's favorite creations.

She painted so many pieces, her daughter in Palo Alto said the family has decided to auction off her artwork.

"I couldn't keep all the ones that I like," she said. "My house isn't big enough. She wanted people to enjoy her art."

Steve San Sebastian of the Fresno Auction Company says Kirkegaard was well-known among local artists.

"She used to donate to all the different functions," he said. "The Fresno Art Museum, whenever they had carnival or all the different events."

Among the stacks of watercolor paintings, Kirkegaard also created self-portraits.

Karla especially enjoyed the images of family members.

"She had a couple of one-woman shows at the Fresno Art Museum and one at Fresno State," she said.

"Art's a very personal thing," San Sebastian said. "We have over 100 works of art here. This is the last that you'll see of this particular artist."

The art auction will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the home located at 2525 West Stuart in northwest Fresno.

The mid-century modern home will eventually be sold after all the estate sale.