LONDON.- Project Art Minerva, organised by respected artists Magdalena Rutkowska and Blandine Martin will run an exhibition of contemporary artwork by Abruzzo & international artists, many of whom are well-established including the award winning photographer Christofer Dierdoff and the renowned artists in the world of fashion, Duilio Pilloni and Karin Askham.

There will also be a celebrity gala fundraising auction on 2nd July at 7pm organized by Bloomsbury Auctions. This will be hosted by one of the Auction house’s most experienced auctioneers Dido Arthur. She has a personal connection to the event as she has previously lived in the university town L'Aquila. The online catalogue to accompany the fundraising auction can be viewed at www.lifeinabruzzo.com.

Of particular note is the framed Vettriano Triptych. This limited edition photographic artwork forms part of an ongoing artistic collaboration between the highly renowned & popular British artist Jack Vettriano, and the acclaimed Italian photographer Fredi Marcarini, and were shot in the artist's London home and studio. This collaborative work is a fine representation of the spirit of the Art for L'Aquila charity auction, representing both Italian and international artists working together to raise funds.

Jack Vettriano said ‘Like everyone, I was deeply saddened and shocked to see the devastation and misery caused by the earthquake in Abruzzo in April and in particular the appalling loss in L’Aquila. I greatly admire the efforts made by the young, emerging artists of Abruzzo who have given their work to the Art for Aquila auction. Fredi Marcarini is a great Italian photographer and I hope that our joint donation of photographs on which we collaborated together last year makes for a fitting contribution to next week’s auction.’

The project, which was inspired by the artists following the devastating effects of the Aquila earthquake, has kindly been supported by the Italian Embassy. All of the proceeds will go straight into the mammoth task of restoring the destroyed 18th century church Santa Maria del Suffragio.

One of Abruzzo’s most important and beautiful churches was damaged extensively by the earthquake that struck the region on April 6th 2009 and has become a symbol to many of the tragic devastation suffered that night and from the subsequent aftershocks.

Mystery celebrity guests will also be attending the auction and catering for the event will be provided by the Polish restaurant, Knaypa, recognized as being high caliber European cuisine.

A mirror event will be held in Venice in the summer.