Packing and Transport Begin July 28 at Jake Barnes Gallery
A rare private collection of approximately 1,700 paintings — all displayed or stored in a single Ludington, Michigan home — will be auctioned by DuMouchelle Art Galleries over the next 18 to 24 months, with all proceeds benefiting the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
Packing and transport begin Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at the former Jake Barnes Gallery, 403 E. Ludington Avenue in Ludington. Media are invited to photograph the collection being carefully cataloged, protected, and loaded for its journey to DuMouchelles’ Detroit gallery.
Joe Walker, President of DuMouchelles, and Andrew Skinner, Executive Director of the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (“LACA”), will be available for on-site interviews.
“This extraordinary collection represents far more than an exceptional group of artworks—it is the foundation of an exciting new chapter for the Ludington Area Center for the Arts,” said Andrew Skinner, Executive Director of LACA. “We are deeply grateful to Annabelle Lee and the late John McCaslin, former owners of Jake Barnes Studio, for entrusting LACA with this remarkable gift. Over a six-month period (October 2024 through April 2025), a dedicated team of LACA staff and volunteers has carefully photographed and cataloged more than 1,700 works, and with the invaluable guidance of art appraiser and broker Judy Jones, we are thrilled to partner with DuMouchelles to bring this collection to auction. The proceeds will serve as the catalyst for a multi-million-dollar capital campaign focused on improving accessibility and strengthening LACA for generations to come. It is incredibly rewarding to see these beautiful works of art help ensure that we can continue to engage, inspire, and strengthen our community through arts advocacy while creating a place where arts and culture bring people together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth.”
“With our 100th anniversary approaching, we are honored to serve as stewards of an extraordinary collection like this one,” said Joe Walker, President of DuMouchelles. “This is a truly rare opportunity — not only to bring exceptional works to collectors around the world, but to support the arts in an important Michigan community for years to come.”
The auctions will take place primarily online through DuMouchelles’ global bidding platforms, giving collectors across Michigan, the country, and the world the opportunity to acquire works from the collection. Sales are expected to continue through 2026, 2027, and into 2028, with every dollar of proceeds directed to the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
About DuMouchelles
DuMouchelles is a continuously owned family business and trusted authority in fine and decorative art, jewelry, luxury objects, and estate collections — ranging from traditional to modern. Rooted in the heart of downtown Detroit and approaching its 100th year, the auction house specializes in fresh-to-market collections and estates from across the Midwest and beyond, with monthly auctions that connect consignors and collectors worldwide. Each piece is professionally researched, documented with detailed descriptions, photography and condition reports, and presented to a global audience of serious bidders through strategic marketing across leading international platforms. For generations, prominent families and institutions have trusted DuMouchelles to handle their most important estates and collections. For more information, visit dumoart.com.
Contact: [email protected] or 313-963-6255
About Ludington Area Center for the Arts
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is a 501c3 Not for Profit that strives to foster a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth. Located at 107 S. Harrison St. in downtown Ludington, Mich. LACA offers monthly exhibits, with first Friday of the month opening receptions; and a wide assortment of performances and workshops. Art Shop 107 by LACA serves as the art center’s gift shop and features amazing original artwork from LACA members, perfect for gifts or home décor. Art center hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about LACA visit www.ludingtonartscenter.org.
Contact: [email protected] or 231-845-2787
