NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — New York’s finest gathered at Cipriani Wednesday night for Sir Elton John’s gala dinner and were serenaded by Sir Elton in duet with Diana Kroll. The charity auction featured a stunning work of art by Elton’s long-term lyricist Bernie Taupin, who has devoted the majority of his creative talents over the last twenty years to his visual arts career.

The piece was created by Taupin especially for the event and reflected the topicality of the Presidential election, featuring the Stars and Stripes wrapped with twine. It fetched $150,000, the highest price of the night, with Sir Elton honoring his friend and showing his passion for the arts by bidding $100,000himself. Charlie and Cynthia Hendon, the Atlanta real estate developers and long time supporters of Sir Elton’s Foundation, were the buyers.

Hendon said after his purchase, “The lyrics of Bernie Taupin helped me through some difficult times in my younger days, I am a devoted fan, and Cynthia and I are really thrilled to own this extraordinary work of art and help Elton’s Foundation at the same time.”

Ray Waterhouse, Taupin’s New York art dealer, found many at the gala were enthusiastic about Taupin’s art. “Bernie Taupin’s art is now recognized as a highly creative artist and is taken seriously in the art world. I spoke last night to many art collectors as well as celebrities like Michael Stipe of REM and Diana Krall and they are all admirers,” says Waterhouse. Taupin’s solo exhibition opens tomorrow November 4th at his gallery (Waterhouse & Dodd, 960 Madison Avenue New York, NY) and features 27 works.