C984.2009 was painted this winter at Matt Lamb's Chicago studio and was completed near the end of 2009. The vibrant colors and reflective foil paper seamlessly integrated into the painting make for a striking scene in which the two figures can be seen as meeting for the first time or engaging in a heartfelt discussion.

C1150.2009 was painted this winter at Matt Lamb's Chicago studio and was completed near the end of 2009. The prominent reds and yellows accentuate the bold outlines of the figures and make for a lively display of conversation and human interaction at a social gathering of sorts.

High bidders from the online portion of the auction will also receive two tickets to the June 5 Gala, "CERQUA RIVERA DANCE THEATRE PRESENTS: THE MATT LAMB TRIBUTE - CELEBRATION OF A LIFETIME."

Along with these paintings, the winning bidder will be meeting the artist at his studio in Chicago for a personal tour in this, one of his 7 studios around the world-and allowed the opportunity to name the paintings.

An Irish-American born in Chicago in 1932, Lamb had a successful career as an entrepreneur before a brush with death at the age of 51 led him to reevaluate his priorities, sell his businesses, and dedicate the remainder of his years to art. However, aspects of his business life (he was CEO of Chicago’s largest family-run funeral home franchise) continued to haunt his mysterious paintings, which teem with wraith-like creatures that Lamb calls “spirits speaking to us from the other side.”

Value: Priceless

Bidding online? This item will be included in a live auction at the June 5th gala event. If you'd like to place a proxy bid please email that bid at auctions@makeitbetter.net no later than May 31 11:59 p.m.

Proxy Bid - We’ll place bids on your behalf based on the current high bid. We'll bid only as much as necessary to make sure that you remain the high bidder, up to your maximum amount.