A beautiful collection of paintings, handcrafted furniture, and personal mementos from President Jimmy Carter and his beloved wife Rosalynn is giving the world a touching window into their remarkable lives beyond the White House. Christie's auction house is offering these treasured items as part of "The American Collector" sale, running from January 13 to January 27, with a portion of proceeds supporting the nonprofit Carter Family Foundation.

The collection reveals the many facets of the former president who lived to 100 years old. Among the highlights are four original paintings by Carter, including Mountain Waterfall from 2003, which depicts a peaceful northern Georgia stream where he loved to fish for trout. His daughter Amy Carter shares that watching her father paint brought her tremendous joy. "He was so happy and relaxed when he painted," she recalls warmly. "I enjoy thinking of him at his easel in the garage, giving himself the time to just focus on something he loved."

Carter's creativity extended beyond the canvas. The former president was an accomplished woodworker who hand-carved beautiful side tables during his leisure time. He once described himself as a "fairly proficient" craftsman and expressed simple satisfaction in seeing what he had made with his own hands. These tables, expected to sell for between $500 and $1,000, showcase a president who found fulfillment in creating tangible beauty. Remarkably, chairs he built in 1983 sold at auction for $41,000, benefiting the Carter Presidential Library.

The collection also celebrates the couple's extraordinary love story. A birthday letter from Jimmy to Rosalynn dated August 18, 1978, written on White House stationery, offers an intimate glimpse into their devotion to each other. Additional treasures include charming peanut scarves that fashion designer Frankie Welch created for the couple during Carter's time as Georgia governor in 1973, which Rosalynn wore often with pride.

"It is a pleasure to share this glimpse into my parents' world," Amy Carter says in a statement. "I hope these objects paint a fuller picture of them, their lives of service, their devotion to each other, and the joy and curiosity that kept them learning and engaged throughout their lives."

The items, carefully retrieved from a storage facility near the Carter home in Georgia, also include photographs, campaign pins, documents from Carter's time in the U.S. Naval Submarine School, and a silver dish bearing the seal of the United States. Amy was deeply involved in sharing stories about each piece, adding rich context to how these objects were cherished by her parents.

The Ripple Effect: This auction does more than honor two remarkable lives. By supporting the Carter Family Foundation, it continues the couple's lifelong commitment to service and helping others. Christie's is holding this sale as part of celebrating America's 250th birthday, alongside a companion sale called "We The People: America at 250." Together, these auctions showcase the diverse stories that make up the American experience, with roughly 700 lots expected to fetch between $80 million and $120 million. The Carter collection reminds us that leadership and creativity, love and service, can beautifully coexist in lives well lived.