NEW YORK, NY.- Bonhams auction house will host Russell Simmons’ 12th Annual ART FOR LIFE art auction preview at their New York headquarters the evening of Wednesday, July 13. The event will be co-hosted by Bonhams Chairman Laura King, Russell Simmons, auction chairwoman Lucille Blair, and designer and philanthropist Tory Burch.

Russell Simmons, one of the three founding brothers of Rush Philanthropic, states, “We are thrilled these truly great artists have donated such extraordinary works of art to Rush Philanthropic’s 2011 ART FOR LIFE East Hampton auction. They send a compelling message and are an inspiration to all of us, and to the over 2,300 inner-city public school students in our arts education programs."

This evening of art and cocktails will offer an exclusive viewing of this year’s theme Works on Paper, featuring unique artworks from some of the contemporary art world’s most celebrated names. Among them is featured artist Kara Walker, who created a specific work for ART FOR LIFE and limited editions will be given to our highest table patrons and event sponsors. Other artists include Yoko Ono, John Chamberlain, Chuck Close, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Jenny Holzer, Julie Mehretu, David Salle, among others. During the evening, party-goers will be invited to bid on their favorite unique works on the online auction website CharityBuzz.com.

This art auction is the precursor to Russell Simmons’ annual star-studded gala at his East Hampton estate on July 30th where the foundation will continue to raise money and honor the following exemplary individuals for their career achievements and philanthropic works: recording artist Mary J. Blige, Jimmy Choo Founder and Chief Creative Officer Tamara Mellon, actor/filmmaker Edward Norton, President of JPMorgan Chase Foundation Kimberly B. Davis and world renown nutritionist and author Oz Garcia.