Sotheby's has launched its Contemporary Discoveries auction in New York, a weeklong sale running October 1–8 that is built around The Collection of Bob Monk. According to HENI's pre-sale analysis, the auction comprises 334 works with aggregate low estimates of $5.8 million and high estimates of $8.44 million, before buyer's premiums. No lots carry undisclosed estimates. The most valuable lot announced so far is Ed Ruscha's Red Sky (2001), estimated at $250,000 to $350,000. The painting has never previously appeared at auction, making its sale debut a point of interest for Ruscha collectors. Other highlighted works include Manolo Valdés's La Banda Negra (Felipe IV) at $120,000–$180,000, Neil Jenney's Implements / Intrenchments at $100,000–$150,000, Hilary Pecis's Sculpture Court at $100,000–$150,000, and Etel Adnan's Satellites 14 at $80,000–$120,000. Four works in the sale carry third-party guarantees, including Mike Bidlo's Ma Jolie (Woman with a Zither or Guitar) (1987), estimated at $20,000–$30,000 and previously traded three times. HENI notes that guarantees commit a party to paying the seller regardless of whether bidding reaches the reserve, with the figure typically kept confidential. The sale sits among a busy October calendar of mid-market auctions in New York, where auction houses are leaning on single-owner collections and discovery-format sales to keep turnover moving. With the top estimate well below the eight-figure trophies of the November evening sales, Contemporary Discoveries is aimed squarely at active collectors in the accessible contemporary segment — the tier that has shown the most consistent bidding energy through 2026.