A special viewing of the photographs of Jim Arkatov—and the artists who inspired his work—will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 23 at Heritage Auctions Beverly Hills, 9478 W. Olympic Blvd.

All Arkatov photos on display will be available for purchase; and sales will benefit the Los Angles chapter of Autism Speaks.

“Mr. Arkatov has documented his lifelong passion for the arts through his candid and intriguing photographs assembled over seven decades,” said Carolyn Mani, consignment director at Heritage Auctions. “We are pleased to help him in his mission of spreading that love of the arts by hosting this viewing, and helping a cause near and dear to him.”

Arkatov is known for his striking portraits documenting the history of art and artists, with an eye toward featuring the individual artists at work, or surrounded by their works, to provide a visual context between artists and their medium.

His latest subjects include flowers shown at their peak of beauty as well as what Arkatov refers to as “electric flowers,” which feature dazzling displays of fireworks.

“It’s my hope that Autism Speaks, a very worthwhile organization, is able to benefit in both finance and status from this viewing at Heritage Auctions,” said Arkatov, “and I hope that there can be a greater understanding of the artists I have shown in relation to their work.”

Among the artists and musicians featured at Arkatov’s wine and cheese reception will be: Herb Alpert, John Baldessari, Billy Al Bengston, Dale Chihuly, Chick Corea, Laddie John Dill, Llyn Foulkes, Sam Francis, Robert Irwin, Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Mangione, Neville Marriner, Ed Moses, Ed Ruscha, Isaac Stern and Igor Stravinsky.

Since 2005, Autism Speaks has grown into the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $800 million, and 700,000-plus online bidder members.