The AUA Art Auction showcases the work of an incredible array of artists, with the purpose of raising funds to support students at the American University of Armenia. Learn more about each set of paintings donated by the respective donors listed below, as well as the specific campaign being supported by the proceeds from the sale of each set. 

For Shipping: the AUA Office of Development will coordinate the shipping of purchased artwork, at the cost of the Buyer. If you wish to receive the paintings by Christmas, please finalize your purchase by December 15th and contact us for expedited shipping options. Bidder discretion: AUA is not able to guarantee the authenticity of any paintings donated to AUA from private family collections. 

We are grateful for your support. Happy bidding! 

 Misserlian Family Collection - Donated by the Misserlian Family

The Misserlian family, longtime supporters of the American University of Armenia (AUA), have amassed an impressive collection of artwork over many years. 

The pieces in this collection include works by many prominent Armenian artists, spanning various periods and mediums, and display the importance the Misserlian family has placed on supporting Armenian arts, culture, and heritage. 

In a generous gesture, they have decided to donate these incredible pieces to AUA in support of the University's expansion. The proceeds from the sales of these paintings will support the Build a Better Future With AUA capital campaign.

 Aslanian Family Artwork

The Aslanian family has generously donated the work of a San Francisco based artist, Sossi Assilian. Sossi Assilian was born in Damascus, Syria, and started painting at a very young age. She studied architecture in Yerevan and moved to San Francisco in 1980. Currently, she paints for her personal collection and special commissions.

William Saroyan - Donated by the William Saroyan Foundation

William Saroyan has long been hailed as not only one of the most influential literary figures of his period, but also as a most revered member of the Armenian Diaspora. His influence runs deep in the hearts and minds of so many, with his most famous saying about Armenians quoted, or rather misquoted, endlessly by those who have never even read his works, a proving testament, year after year, to the lasting power of his name.

Throughout his lifetime, William Saroyan was an unapologetic writer and poet. He wrote many successful stories and plays, and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and an Academy Award for Best Story. But in addition to literature, Saroyan was also a talented painter, drawing prolifically and producing hundreds of paintings throughout his lifetime.

The American University of Armenia has received original William Saroyan paintings from the William Saroyan Foundation which will be exhibited online and auctioned to raise funds to support scholarships for AUA students. The additional funds raised for the established William Saroyan Scholarship will continue to provide quality education to Armenian students at AUA and enable them to become the next generation of thought-leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs driving Armenia to prosperity.

Ararat Sarkissian - Donated by Raffy Ardhaldjian

Ararat Sarkissian is an Armenian post-Soviet contemporary artist and printmaker based in Yerevan, Armenia. His works have been exhibited in the National Gallery of Armenia, the Singapore Armenian Heritage Gallery, the Jordan National Gallery of Arts and in various group exhibitions in Paris, Oxford, Chicago, Portland, Moscow, Kassel, Madrid and Tokyo. His art has been sold at charity auctions at Christie’s to benefit non-profit causes. He has also represented Armenia in the 2013 Venice Art Biennale international exhibition. He is the father of contemporary artist, Arshak Sarkissian.

His paintings being auctioned by AUA are from the City of Shushi collection of the Last Images from a Lost Paradise exhibit, in which Sarkissian portrays not only images of the lost city of Shushi, but also conveys the psychological devastation felt by Armenians after the 2020 Artsakh war.

The current set of Sarkissian paintings were donated to the University by AUA supporter Raffy Ardhaldjian, and the funds raised from the sale of these pieces will specifically benefit war-impacted students studying at AUA.