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With Harper and his family in attendance, the 165 attendees were prepared and ready to bid, along with telephone bidders.
The auction attracted plenty of interest in Westchester County,as well as guests from California, Michigan and Canada.
Not only did Kate and Paul Conn of Rye win the auction, but they also were later invited to tour and visit with Harper at his home.
The Conns' winning bid was put in during the auction's final minute.
"We were captivated by Mr. Harper's unique art and his personal story. His art appeals to our young sons as much as it does to us. Kate and I are thrilled for the opportunity to be the custodians of the first piece of Mr. Harper's art ever to be sold,” Paul Conn said.
“We're also delighted to support the Rye Arts Center and we thank them for hosting this world-class exhibit and vibrant, competitive auction."
All proceeds from the auction support the center's future exhibitions, arts education and outreach initiatives.
The auction was part of the “Irving Harper: A Mid-Century Mind At Play” exhibit, which is still on display in the center's gallery at 51 Milton Road until Saturday.
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