SILENT ART AUCTION
In support of “THE HEAT IS ON” campaign
September 26 – October 30, 2026
James Guest Boardroom
Metropolitan United Church • London
Explore a curated selection of sculptures, watercolors, ink drawings, and mixedmedia works by Dr. Jaroslav Havelka and other local artists.
View art online on the Metropolitan website or in-person at the church.
Place your bid in the designated box in the Boardroom or contact Marjorie Frankel at 519-657-4509.
Current bid amounts will be posted but names and contact information will be kept confidential.
Bids close October 30 at noon
Silent Auction - The Art of Dr. Jaroslav Havelka & Others
DR. JAROSLAV HAVELKA - Biographical Notes
Jaroslav Havelka was born in Siluvky, Czechoslovakia, in 1922. As war approached, universities were closed, and he was sent to Austria to work in the war factories. He returned to Czechoslovakia in 1944 to join the resistance movement, narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Gestapo. With war over, Jaroslav Havelka completed a degree at Masaryk University in 1946, and when Czechoslovakia was taken over by the communists, he escaped to Italy where he completed a Ph.D. at the University of Milan. In 1951 he immigrated to Canada, learned English, and in 1954 completed a M.Sc. degree at McGill University, before coming to The University of Western Ontario in 1956 as a professor of psychology. In 1969, Dr. Havelka moved to King's College to chair its fledgling Department of Psychology. He retired in 1987 but continued to teach as Professor Emeritus. He suddenly fell ill and died on August 14, 1997.
As a youth, Dr. Havelka loved to draw, but the war interrupted any plans to study art. Only years later, in 1968, did he return to painting, untaught in any formal way, but passionate about it. He used no fixed model for any of his work, and each work is an amalgam of experiences and impressions.
Over the years, Dr. Havelka's work has been shown in many galleries, and accepted in juried shows. These have included public galleries such as the London Regional Art Gallery and the Woodstock Art Gallery, and private galleries such as Kenneith Gallery, Sarnia; Marten Arts Gallery, Bayfield; and the Snellgrove Gallery, London. His paintings have been acquired by numerous private collectors across Canada, and abroad in such countries as Australia, Sweden, Britain and the United States. In October 2001, St. Paul's Cathedral, London, held a memorial exhibition and sale of some 350 works. In 2004, King's University College acquired a large number of his works for its "Havelka at King's" collection. The Sisters of St. Joseph, London, have a large collection of his paintings and carvings, and also the Centre for Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Resolutions, Department of Political Science, U.W.O.
Sketches of Italy, #1
Framed within a sleek metal enclosure, this mixed-media piece showcases six separate ink and watercolor sketches arranged on a grey backdrop. The individual studies depict scenic Italian subjects, ranging from towering alpine mountains and ancient stone structures to courtyard statues and terracotta-roofed buildings.
Sketches of Italy, #2
Six individual mixed-media sketches are arranged in two neat rows against a grey mat board within this framed compilation. Executed with expressive ink lines and warm, natural watercolor washes, the artwork showcases Italian architecture and scenery, including terracotta-tiled roofs, ancient masonry, and foliage. A simple metallic silver frame completes the display.
Italy
This mixed-media painting portrays a picturesque Italian village with narrow streets, historic stone buildings, terracotta rooftops, and distant church towers. Warm ochre and golden tones contrast with cool blues and violets, creating depth and atmosphere. Expressive lines and loose washes capture the charm, age, and character of this Mediterranean setting.
Fence on the Bruce
A rugged Bruce Peninsula landscape unfolds in this mixed-media painting as a weathered fence winds through a rocky, wooded terrain. Framed by tall evergreens and bare branches, the scene balances cool blues and greens against rich ochres and earth tones, while dynamic line work and sheer washes bring the vibrant atmosphere to life.
Vase of Flowers
Vibrant shades of red, yellow, and blue bloom from a simple light-colored vase in this framed tempera painting. A stylized, geometric technique defines the floral arrangement with sharp leaves and faceted background planes, all enclosed within a thin wooden frame.
Crow on Branch
Perched atop a gnarled pine branch with sparse needles, a dark crow sits quietly in this minimalist mixed-media artwork. Softly painted jagged mountain peaks emerge from the muted grey background in the distance, while calligraphic linework and subtle tonal washes give the serene composition an atmospheric East Asian landscape feel.
Thistles
Detailed illustrations of flowering thistles with spiky green leaves and soft purple blossoms take center stage in this framed mixed-media artwork. Abstract, dynamic brushstrokes in muted grey and blue tones encircle the botanical focal point to add modern depth and energy. The entire piece is displayed within a light cream mat and enclosed in a dark wooden frame.
An Old Friend
Rendered in dark blue and grey watercolor washes with expressive linework, a single worn athletic shoe sits at the center of this framed mixed-media artwork. Untied shoelaces sprawl casually onto the floor below it, casting gentle shadows. The piece is presented inside a white double mat with a blue inner accent border and housed in a thin grey frame.
The Bruce
Two textured birch trunks rise from a rocky base in the foreground of this framed mixed-media landscape. Behind them, evergreen trees rest beneath warm yellow and orange sky washes, brought to life through fluid linework and watercolor. The painting is presented with an off-white double mat featuring a navy inner border, all encased in a copper-toned frame.
Italian Town
A large stone archway and towering, weathered ruins anchor this framed mixed-media depiction of historic Italian architecture. Rendered with fine black ink outlines and warm terracotta and sepia washes, the artwork highlights intricate textures and soft light. The piece is displayed within an off-white double mat and finished with a sleek metal frame.
Old Chair in the Bruce
A rustic wooden armchair rests outdoors surrounded by grassy ground and scattered stones in this framed mixed-media artwork. Evergreen pines stretch along the distant horizon beneath soft, textured background washes. The expressive piece is double-matted in off-white with a thin, dark inner accent border and encased in a sleek silver frame.
Mother and Child, Somalia
A mother lovingly cradles her child in this moving framed pastel artwork, rendered in expressive charcoal and monochrome grey tones. Strong, angular lines and shaded background geometry highlight the intimate emotional connection between the figures. The portrait is set within a wide grey mat and finished in a light wood-grain frame.
Sunrise Sky
In the foreground of this framed mixed-media landscape, two gnarled trees stand before a distant horizon. Above them, swirling watercolor washes of vibrant orange, yellow, and deep blue create a dramatic sunrise sky. The expressive artwork is neatly presented within an off-white mat and a warm wooden frame.
Tina Likes Mozart
Three musicians perform on stringed instruments while a dog rests happily on its back at their feet in this framed pastel artwork. Dynamic black and grey linework imbues the musical trio with energy and movement. The piece is housed within a wide off-white mat and finished with a clean metallic frame.
To a Child
A seated violinist plays for a young child wrapped in a coat and headscarf in this framed mixed-media illustration. A European village featuring a tall church spire forms the soft watercolor background. The narrative scene is set within a double mat of sage green and light grey, finished with a warm wooden frame.
The Prophet
Standing 25 inches tall, this plaster sculpture captures an elongated, robed figure with deeply expressive facial features. The heavily textured, draped robes are painted in rich earth tones, including rust, ochre, purple, and blue. Its expressive form and weathered finish give the piece a solemn, contemplative presence.
Mary with Child
This 14-inch plaster sculpture depicts a hooded mother figure holding a swaddled child in a close, tender embrace. Rendered with heavily textured surfaces, the piece is painted in rich shades of blue, terracotta, and soft yellow. Its gentle, expressive facial details evoke a sense of quiet reverence and maternal warmth.
Old Man
Carved directly into a 19-inch wooden log, this sculpture depicts the weathered face and bust of an elderly man with a beard. Chiseled geometric facets highlight his furrowed brow, deep-set eyes, and solemn expression, highlighting the natural warm wood grain and raw texture of the timber.
Old Woman
Standing 16 inches tall, this wooden carving captures the slender figure of an elderly hooded woman with a gentle, solemn expression. Carved directly from a natural wood segment, her hands rest together near her chest while long, vertical carved channels accentuate the natural grain and texture of her flowing cloak.
Old London
Painted by Nick Huizenga
Dappled sunlight filters through leafy branches to illuminate a quiet street of historic brick homes in this vibrant acrylic painting. Vibrant green foliage frames the scene, while warm yellow highlights dappling the lawn capture a bright, sun-drenched day. Impasto brushwork gives rich texture to the surrounding trees and manicured garden beds.
Metropolitan Church
Painted by Peter Karas
A dramatic perspective emphasizes the grand architecture of Metropolitan Church in this expressive painting. Sunlight illuminates the golden arched entryway, casting luminous hues against rich brick walls in tones of crimson, brown, and violet. Dynamic lines, prominent stair railings, and a glowing sky accentuate the sanctuary's historic splendor.
Metropolitan Colourful View
Painted by Peter Karas
A vibrant, sunlit church tower rises beside a lush tree with bright yellow foliage in this framed oil painting. Thick, expressive brushwork captures glowing orange brick tones contrasted against cool turquoise skies and shaded foreground gardens. Set in a warm wooden frame, the piece radiates light and dynamic color.
