Auction – Original painting, “Sweet Rosie,” by Deb Knowlson

All proceeds from this auction go to support Indonesian Parrot Project.

Original painting by Deb Knowlson, “Sweet Rosie.” Opening bid, $60. All funds go to Indonesian Parrot Project to help protect wild parrots in Indonesia.

About the painting

“Sweet Rosie” is an original, one of a kind watercolor painting. It is based on a photograph of Rosie, the Moluccan cockatoo, by Frank Rutowski. The auctioned painting comes with mat and frame. Framed dimensions are approximately 20 3/4″ x 16 3/4″.

About the artist

Learn what parrot Knowlson once lived with in our interview with her

Deb Knowlson, an incredible artist who is committed to conservation and supports conservation through her art, painted this portrait of Phoenix Landing’s Rosie from a photograph by Frank Rutowski. Follow Knowlson on Instagram at @artisindebsnature2.

Learn more about Deb in our Phoenix Landing interview with her.

Why auction the painting?

The short answer is – to help protect wild Moluccan cockatoos and other parrots in Indonesia. Rosie was well-loved, but her life had many ups and downs. Knowlson donated this beautiful, original painting to us in hopes it could be used to benefit parrots. Phoenix Landing can think of no better fate for this stunning painting of Rosie, who was very special to Phoenix Landing, than for it to benefit the Indonesian Parrot Project, so it can help wild Moluccan cockatoos and other parrots in Indonesia.

About Rosie, the Moluccan cockatoo who is the painting’s subject

Rosie was a 35+ year old, wild caught, Moluccan cockatoo who passed away in May of 2018. She spent more than 30 years with the same family before coming to Phoenix Landing. She would mutilate her chest. Phoenix Landing worked with incredible veterinarians to try to help her, including Dr. Echols, Dr. Orosz, Dr. Powers, and Dr. Applegate. Michaeline, a Phoenix Landing volunteer, saw Rosie through all the ups and downs, and loved her unconditionally. Lack of exercise throughout her life contributed to heart and bone density problems, which led to her mutilation. We tried medicines, activities, collars, different foods… but she still had many medical ups and downs. Exercise is so important to birds’ health throughout their lives, just as it is to our own.

Auction/Bidding information

When are bids accepted? Bidding is from Wednesday, August 28 through 11:00a.m. ET on September 7th. Bids will be placed online from anywhere. Local bidders are invited to attend the Springfield event benefitting Indonesia Parrot Project.
How do I bid? Minimum bid, $60. Bids may be increased in increments of $5. To bid, leave your name, email address, and bid amount in the “Leave a reply” section at the bottom of this page. Your email address will NOT be posted publicly but is necessary to alert you to a winning bid. If you are the winning bid, you will receive an email alerting you to it from contact@phoenixlanding.org. Winner will also be announced at the Springfield event on September 7th.
Who can bid? Anyone in the continental United States may bid. However, if shipping is necessary, additional shipping costs apply.
Pick-up/Shipping: Winner may pick up the painting at the end of the September 7th event in Springfield, VA or pay an additional cost to have the comforter shipped to them at shipping cost to their location in the continental United States (estimated between $25 – $30.)
Payment: Cash, check, credit cards (through PayPal or Square), and PayPal is accepted.
When is payment due? If you win the item and pick it up at the September 7th Springfield event, payment is due upon receipt. If having the item shipped to you, payment + shipping cost will be due upon receipt of invoice. Invoice will be sent to the email address you provided when placing the bid. If not received within 48 hours, the comforter will be offered to the next highest bidder.