An oil painting of crabapple blossoms by former President Jimmy Carter received the highest bid of $750,000 during a record-setting auction during this year's Carter Center Weekend in Annapolis.

The event, which benefits the center’s global work , raised $3,724,000 — more than twice the amount raised at any previous auction.

The 150 items in this year’s silent and live auction included fine art, vacations, presidential memorabilia, autographed guitars and sports souvenirs.

Other items that drew top bids in this year’s auction included:

  • Farm table with six chairs handcrafted by Carter and other artists, $600,000
  • Signed photograph of five U.S. presidents, $285,000

  • John F. Mello handmade guitar, $70,000
  • Hawaiian paradise vacation, $55,500
  • Two Jerome Lawrence original paintings, $52,500 each

Related:

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter celebrate 70th anniversary

Artist Jerome Lawrence says he is always evolving

About the Author

Keep Reading

Plenty of free activities for kids are part of the Peachtree Corners Festival on Saturday and Sunday, including bubble fun, sand art and face painting. (Courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival)

Credit: Photo courtesy of Peachtree Corners Festival

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com