A La Jolla-based art museum is set to host a silent auction soon boasting magnificent masterpieces that showcase talents of both emerging and experienced artists.
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) plans to host its 10th biennial Art Auction at 6:30 p.m. on May 18 at its La Jolla location at 700 Prospect Ave. A wide range of both local and international work will be on display, from paintings and sculptures to photography.
Art Auction 2016 will present live and silent auctions on the pieces, while guests sip on champagne and cocktails. Auction attendees will also be treated to hors d’oeuvres as they peruse the artwork. Attendees can enter their silent auction bids as soon as the event begins.
“This event is unlike any other in our city and has become one of the most exciting and highly anticipated nights in San Diego's arts scene,” said Hugh M. Davies, MCASD's David C. Copley Director and CEO.
It’s also MCASD’s largest fundraiser, providing substantial support for the museum’s educational programs, art collections and exhibitions.
“The 2014 auction garnered more than $1 million to support the institution in just one evening,” said Davies. “In addition to providing vital support for our program, this night unifies the regional art collecting community and draws attendance from all over the West Coast, and call-in bids from around the world.”
Andrea Fiuczynski, Chairman of Sotheby’s Regional Offices in the Americas, is this year’s auctioneer. She’s very much looking forward to the big art event.
"This is always a marvelous evening preceded by a wonderful VIP preview reception and private tours by appointment, truly a well-rounded curatorial experience for the novice and experienced collector alike, all for a great arts and cultural community cause," said Fiuczynski.
VIP Art Auction 2016 guests will be able to place their bids in style, too. Artist Mel Bochner, in partnership with Quint gallery, has created limited-edition auction paddles specifically for this event. These are available to Gold Circle ticket holders. Those tickets cost $250 for MCASD members and $275 for non-members, of which $175 is tax-deductible.
Other perks for Gold Circle ticket holders include valet parking, preferred seating and a listing in the auction’s program, along with an opportunity to preview the works and receive private tours and curatorial counsel a week prior to the auction. The private VIP Preview Reception is led by MCASD’s Deputy Director, Art and Programs, Kathryn Kanjo, at 6 p.m. on May 11.
General admission tickets to the Art Auction are $100 per person for MCASD members and $125 for non-members. Tickets include access to the cocktail reception, silent auction, standing tickets to the live auction and dessert reception.
Mobile bidding is a new option for silent auction items, as MCASD is partnering with GiveSmart, a smartphone app that allows guests to bid in real time from both local and remote locations. Select silent auction items available for this mobile bidding option will be determined in the evening of the event.
Guests can find a full list of artworks and download the GiveSmart app on the MCASD website.
