At Auction, Peanuts Characters Are Not Just Kids' Stuff

"Snooper Jock," $24,200.

At Auction, Peanuts Characters Are Not Just Kids' Stuff

Sotheby's online auction ending December 8 of 21 Snoopy sculptures from Saint Paul's community-wide public art celebration, "Peanuts on Parade," totaled $238,150, a sum that is $47,150 over the firm's high estimate. Many lots went into overtime bidding, and every offering found a buyer.

"Snooper Jock" was the top-selling lot, which after brisk bidding brought $24,200, well over the pre-sale estimate of $9/12,000.

"I am astounded by the continued success of 'Peanuts on Parade,'" said Saint Paul Mayor Norm Coleman. "The auction put us over the $1 million mark in our efforts to honor Charles Schulz."

"I'm thrilled that [we] could help the city raise funds to memorialize Schulz's legacy," said Leila Dunbar, senior vice president and director of Sotheby's collectibles department.

Another highlight from the auction was "Snoopy Night," a hand-painted sculpture by Saint Paul artist Kim Cope in the style of Vincent Van Gogh's renowned Starry Night painting. This statue sold for $8,800. Also included was "Comic Relief," decorated by Max Haynes, another Saint Paul artist. This Snoopy, covered with a variety of colorful Peanuts comics, sold for $8,525.

Proceeds will go to benefit the Charles M. Schulz Fund, established as a permanent endowment to support emerging illustrators by strengthening the instruction of arts in the Twin Cities. The Fund will be managed by The Saint Paul Foundation, one of the oldest and largest of the more than 600 community foundations in the country, with current assets of more than $650 million. A portion of the Fund will also be used to help finance a permanent sculpture in downtown Saint Paul in memory of Schulz.