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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, February 20, 2009

Peggy Chun's vast collection for sale

Photo gallery: Peggy Chun items up for sale

By Mary Vorsino
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The late Peggy Chun's art, collectibles, treasures and household items have been unpacked, sorted and priced by her friends. Besides lots of art, there is furniture, a book collection, Hawaiiana and art materials.

Photo by JEFF WIDENER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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WEEKEND SALE

A sale of late artist Peggy Chun's treasures, from art to collectibles, will take place tomorrow and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at her Nu'uanu home at 3115 Alika Ave. For more information, go to www.peggychun.com.

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A lifetime of artist Peggy Chun's treasures — from collectibles to art to knicknacks — will go on sale this weekend at the Nu'uanu home she lived in until her death in November.

"Peggy never threw anything away," said daughter-in-law Kimi Chun. "She collected so many things. It's crazy ... everything must go."

Chun died Nov. 19 — surrounded by friends and relatives — six years after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease. For many in the Islands, Chun was a beloved artist who further endeared herself to followers when she continued painting even after getting sick.

When she lost the use of her arms because of her disease, Chun started painting with her mouth. Later, she used her eyes and a special computer. Along the way, she had the help of her family and a core group of dedicated friends who called themselves "Peg's Legs."

Those volunteers were gathered at Chun's home this week, unpacking items, pricing them and arranging them for sale. Pat Lakatos, a longtime friend, said going through Chun's things has been therapeutic. "There are all kinds of treasures," Lakatos said.

The treasures include several Chun originals, some priced upward of $4,500, along with framed prints, a big collection of local art and scads of collectibles, from expensive dishes to novelty items to knicknacks given to her as jokes or gifts.

There are also practical items, including shelves, large filing cabinets and other furniture. Chun's book collection also is on sale, and includes a host of art and Hawaiiana books, as are some of her painting materials.

And everything, Kimi Chun said, is at "yard-sale prices."

Proceeds from the sale will go to pay down Chun's medical bills, and to help open a gallery in Chinatown for her work. The 480-square-foot gallery will open in April.

"It was always a dream of Peggy's," Chun said, "to have a real gallery."

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.