Spring 2025 Art Auction
On April 19th, 2025, UVA’s chapter of Sister’s Project Peru hosted its fourth annual silent art auction at the McIntire Art Gallery, with the goal of raising money toward increasing healthcare access in Huacahuasi, Peru. The event space was located in the Rouss and Robertson Halls of the McIntire School of Commerce on the Grounds of UVA, just a few steps away from the historical Lawn and Rotunda. The auction featured works from students and professional artists who generously donated their pieces to a good cause. Items on sale included a variety of paintings, photographs, ceramic pieces, and textiles. At the request of a member of the UVA chapter, a talented individual named Sanika provided a stunning display of handcrafted jewelry.
A number of the paintings and bracelets on sale were generated by the third annual ‘Art Club x SPP’ event co-hosted with The Art Club at UVA. The event raises awareness about SPP’s cause and serves as a fun, creative way to create art for the UVA chapter’s annual art auction. It’s also an opportunity for UVA students to tap into their artsy side and get directly involved in the work that SPP does. Some participants were well-versed in all things SPP, but a few others stopped by out of curiosity, support for their friends, to learn more about our healthcare mission, and ultimately to have a good time in the company of good people. This was the third year in a row that the two groups have successfully collaborated, and the largest turnout they’ve had yet!
This year’s art auction was a more intimate affair with over 35 attendees who enjoyed a keynote speaker as well as traditional Latin and South American foods such as tamales and empanadas. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the UVA chapter, this year’s auction raised $895. This money will go directly toward funding accessible healthcare in the Huacahuasi community. The SPP team would like to thank the University of Virginia for providing the McIntire Art Gallery space for the art auction. Special thanks goes out to McIntire faculty members Professor Schuff and Assistant Director Welch for their supervision of the event.
How SPP Connects Art and Health
As Sisters Project Peru, we see health as deeply tied to culture, gender, and economic opportunity. By supporting Huacahuasi’s women artists, we uplift indigenous identity, empower women, and strengthen community bonds. Their vibrant Andean textiles are more than income—they’re a path to holistic well-being.
The UVA team of SPP mirrors this commitment in the hosting of their annual art auction. In years past, Andean textiles such as scarves, ponchos, bags, bracelets, and so much more have been featured as highlights of the auction. Not only does this promote the works of Huacahuasi’s women artists, it also provides auction guests knowledge of a world, people, and cultural practices they may not be familiar with.
