Sotheby’s To Host Amref’s ArtBall Auction Honoring Artist Kehinde Wiley

April 23, 2024

As part of Amref Health Africa’s 2024 ArtBall, the evening will feature a Contemporary African and Black art auction hosted by Sotheby’s

With art curated by Storm Ascher, Natalie Kates, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Scotland, and Nadia Nascimento, select donating artists include Hank Willis Thomas, Khalif Tahir Thompson, Adama Delphine Fawundu, Alex Anderson, Damien Davis, Genevieve Gaignard, Jamel Robinson, Lewinale Havette, Megan Gabrielle Harris, Crystal Yayra Anthony, Roscoe B Thicke, Rudy Shepherd, Troy Jones, and Turiya Magadlela.

As avid collectors and engaged philanthropists, this Amref ArtBall is close to co-hosts Spike and Tonya Lewis Lee’s hearts.

“As someone who advocates for better health outcomes for women and children here in the United States in general, I know that health is the foundation for everything. An organization that really is focused on the health and wellness of Black and Brown people in the world, because we need it. I am just really proud,” stated Tonya Lewis Lee.

Beyond their affinity for Amref, the Lees’ accomplished daughter, the photographer Satchel Lee, has also donated work to auction at the event. Tonya Lewis Lee commented, “The work is recognized for what it is, and Satchel’s work speaks in a way to the ethos of what ArtBall is.” Satchel Lee added, “I’m very excited about ArtBall and being included and being there just for a great evening.  It’s nice when everything feels like it aligns. This is a really good opportunity to get familiar with a lot of amazing up-and-coming artists.”

This year, Amref will be honoring Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award. Best known for his portraits that render people of color in the traditional settings of Old Master paintings, including his most famous subject, Barack Obama for the National Portrait Gallery.  Amref’s Rees Visionary Award, named after their founder Dr. Thomas Rees, honors individuals who have changed the discourse around African and Black art.

Amref’s ArtBall, the event centered around the premier contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black art auction to benefit Amref’s work, will take place in Brooklyn on May 4th, 2024.


The online auction opens April 22nd, 2024, at 10 am EST, and closes May 6th, 2024, at, 12pm EST, but you can check out the auction link is now live: Sothebys.com/artball

The full list of 2024 Donating Artists includes Adama Delphine Fawundu, Lewinale Havette, Megan Gabrielle Harris, Maya Beverly, Nicolas Lambelet Coleman, Hank Willis Thomas, Roscoè B. Thické III, Jamel Robinson, Rudy Shepherd, Theda Sandiford, Samuel Nnorom, Turiya Magadlela, Pamela Sneed, Dana Robinson, Dapo Davinci, Cavier Coleman, Ferguson Amo, Troy Jones, Damien Davis, Kevin Claiborne, Katarra Peterson, Kenrick McFarlane, Larissa De Jesus Negron, Haleigh Nickerson, Myles Loftin, Genevieve Gaignard, Adrienne Elise Tarver, Ronald Robinson, Jacob Mason-Macklin, Crystal Yayra Anthony, Layo Bright, Diana Eusebio, Ousmane Ba, Jazmine Hayes, Audrey Lyall, Naïla Opiangah, Devin B. Johnson, Satchel Lee, Anthony Akinbola, Alex Anderson, Auudi Dorsey, and Kalif Tahir Thompson.

Six of the 2024 auction artists are alumni of Kehinde’s Black Rock artist residency program in Senegal. They include Devin B. Johnson, Anthony Akinbola, Ousmane Ba, Nicolas Lambelet Coleman, Kalif Tahir Thompson, and Samuel Nnorom.

Amref Health Africa (Amref)

Amref Health Africa (Amref) is dedicated to empowering African communities by providing accessible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. With a committed team of predominantly African staff, we strive to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families throughout Africa. Through community-based initiatives, we aim to enhance healthcare access, promote preventive care, and foster a sense of ownership over health, ultimately creating a healthier and more resilient Africa for all. Last year we reached over 31 million men, women, and children across the continent.

Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s is the world’s premier destination for art and luxury. Sotheby’s promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions and buy-now channels including private sales, e-commerce, and retail. Our trusted global marketplace is supported by an industry-leading technology platform and a network of specialists spanning 40 countries and 70 categories which include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits, and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate. Sotheby’s believes in the transformative power of art and culture and is committed to making our industries more inclusive, sustainable and collaborative.

Photo credit: 1. Layo Bright. 2. Kalif Tahir Thompson. 3. Ousmane Ba. 4. Myles Loftin. 5)Turiya Magadlela. by for Sotheby’s.



By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
We're your source for local coverage, we count on your support. SUPPORT US!
Your support is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy and quality journalism. With your contribution, we can continue to provide engaging news and free access to all.
accepted credit cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles