THE FROSTIG COLLECTION: AN UNUSUAL PARTNERSHIP

Brad Howe, “Canaries in the Sunset,” 2009, aluminum, stainless steel and polyurethane

Selling fine art to fund a good cause isn’t new. A local art sale initiative, however, is giving the concept an unusual and highly profitable spin. How about a bronze sculpture by architect Frank Gehry — small enough for coffee-table display — custom cast to benefit a good cause?

Some of the country’s leading artists, including such towering figures as Gehry and the late sculptor Robert Graham — both known for their prominent large-scale public works — have created limited-edition small sculptures and works on paper specifically for the Frostig Collection, established to benefit the Pasadena-based Frostig Center for learning-disabled children.

Launched in 2005 with a roster of important artists that changes each year, the Frostig Collection has so far raised nearly $800,000, enabling the nonprofit center to fund an expanded social skills program — complete with salaried director and staff — filling an urgent need for its students. Read More.