Art lovers and collectors won't want to miss this superb piece of fine art:

Robert Graham's Untitled (Torso), c.1992, cast bronze, Ht. 11 inches. This classically elegant, limited production, cast bronze sculpture by the renowned California sculptor, Robert Graham, was the product of a unique collaborative project between the sculptor and The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), in Los Angeles. 

The project was funded jointly by Eli and Edythe Broad, and The J. Paul Getty Trust.  After the L.A. Riots in 1992, Robert Graham conceived of this project from a keen desire to personally contribute to the City's healing and rebuilding process. Providing an opportunity for practical job training and experience to young, underprivileged adults throughout the L.A. area, Graham selected apprentices from economically disadvantaged areas of the City, enlisted, with the help of actor Edward James Olmos, through the Community Youth Gang Services program.

Under Graham's direct training and supervision, each apprentice learned the complete process of casting bronze sculpture by means of the lost wax technique. Working in a specially equipped studio in Venice, CA, adjacent to the artist's own studio, they produced an edition of this Untitled (Torso), under Graham's constant oversight and direction.  To engender pride of workmanship, Graham had each apprentice sign the pieces they produced. The torso offered in our auction was signed, on the bottom of its base, by apprentice Jose R. Balleno.

The bronze torso measures 11 inches tall, including the base, and weighs approximately 10 pounds. The sculptures in this series were originally sold by MOCA, with profits going to benefit MOCA's educational and outreach programs. According to a MOCA press release about this project, "Each torso is inspected, approved and worked on by Robert Graham and is unique."