Oprah Winfrey auctioning furniture, paintings

CHICAGO -- Oprah Winfrey will auction off paintings, furniture, designer clothing and other items from her Chicago residence next month.

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers said Tuesday the proceeds will benefit the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa, which tries to prepare disadvantaged high school-aged girls to be future leaders.

The auction house plans a preview exhibit starting April 16.

The auction will be April 25, with bidding in person and online.

Winfrey announced earlier this month she plans to close Harpo Studios in Chicago, where she made "The Oprah Winfrey Show" for more than 20 years. She said she would transition production for her cable network to a studio in California.