SAN DIEGO, CA.- ART SAN DIEGO Contemporary Art Fair (ASD) in collaboration with Paddle8 is proud to announce its first online silent auction showcasing contemporary works from this year’s featured galleries and artists. This 11-day auction begins on Oct. 30, at www.paddle8.com/auctions/artsandiego and will be on view at the Art Fair from Nov. 7-9.

Online bidding began today and closes on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. Bidding then transfers to the live fair on Nov. 9, at noon and closes at 8 p.m. Winning bidders will be notified on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

ART SAN DIEGO brings together a unique selection of emerging and established contemporary artists and designers – “a partnership with Paddle8 allows further exposure of these artists to the global audience that Paddle8 has developed,” explained ART SAN DIEGO founder and executive director, Ann Berchtold.

Proceeds will benefit the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an international environmental organization that, participates in a variety of interdisciplinary partnerships with artists, architects and designers to engage the public and raise awareness of environmental issues. The New York Times calls NRDC "one of the nation's most powerful environmental groups."

The online auction features 20 items. Highlights include: “Marilyn” an Andy Warhol surfboard by Tim Bessell; custom designed, earth-friendly furniture by David Saltman of Nomad Mobili; custom design alchemy tiles and art objects by Robert Noble of ECOR®; and a Marcus Papay table lamp. Other works are provided by Abe Ordover , Barry Ferich, César Vázquez , Charles Koll Jewelers, Chris Greene , Chris Trueman, Einar & Jamex de la Torre, Greg Holden Regan, Hector Esrawe, Matt Forderer, Ramiro Martinez , Raul Guerrero, Robert Noble, Shinichi Sugimoto, and Stephen Bennett.

This year’s Art Fair is demonstrating the future of sustainable events by collaborating with NRDC and several other partners such as San Diego-based ECOR® Noble Environmental Technologies and Málama Composites, who are setting a new standard for creating high design temporary furniture and event-infrastructures using recycled materials.

“ASD is pleased to make NDRC the beneficiary of the auction to link our efforts for environmental sustainability and to partner with the makers of art, furniture, and other important collectables who are establishing new standards in contemporary design through the use of recycled, repurposed, and sustainable media,” said Berchtold.

The Natural Resources Defense Council's purpose is to safeguard the Earth: its people, its plants and animals and the natural systems on which all life depends. To maximize effectiveness, NRDC engages in a variety of interdisciplinary partnerships with artists, architects and designers. They believe these collaborations are integral to engaging the public and raising awareness of environmental issues.

The auction is being conducted by Paddle8, an online auction house that specializes in connecting buyers and sellers of fine art and collectibles across the Internet. On-line bidding expands the audience of bidders from the several thousands who attend ASD to tens of thousands who have access through the Internet. Paddle8 is known for its advanced technological platform that simplifies the sale and acquisition of art and collectibles.