Original art adds pizzazz to your home. You’ll discover exquisite art at the annual Kansas City Artists Coalition’s auction. The online preview will get you revved up to bid, and there’s a feature for those who require instant gratification.
By Sandy Selby
Photo courtesy of Kansas City Artists Coalition
It’s beautiful symmetry when you can support the arts by purchasing art at the Kansas City Artists Coalition’s (KCAC) annual auction. This event is in its 41st year and for good reason—it puts incredible original art into the hands of art aficionados and helps sustain Kansas City’s visual arts community.
According to Executive Director Courtney Wasson, KCAC is a 48-year-old nonprofit arts organization that promotes visual arts awareness in Kansas City and the surrounding region, and supports the professional growth of artists. “From the start, it was founded to provide community and support,” she says.
The art in this year’s auction is available for online preview now or at the Sweet Peek reception on 5:30‒8:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, at the Kansas City Artists’ Coalition Gallery, 3200 Gillham Road. The auction includes an impressive array of art produced in different media and artistic styles.
“This year, more than 180 artworks have been donated to the auction,” Courtney says. “It’s the best night of the year to acquire art from sought-after established and emerging artists—with all of the proceeds going to fund operations, exhibitions, and programming for the Kansas City Artists Coalition.”
Those who strive for immediate gratification are in luck because the auction offers a buyout option. If you see something you can’t live without, you don’t have to wait a minute longer to make your purchase or compete with other bidders as long as you’re willing to pay the buyout price. Buyouts are available at a wide range of prices.
The event concludes with an exciting live auction on the evening of Saturday, February 24, at the EL Torreon Event Space, 3101 Gillham Plaza in Kansas City. The bidding gets fierce as art lovers get into light-hearted bidding wars over their favorite pieces.
“The auction is a lot of fun,” Courtney says. “Think fun party combined with an art auction! The past two years, we’ve engaged an artist to help us theme the event. This year, Sarah Walsh, an amazing illustrator designed the cover of the auction catalog using the inspiration point, ‘a magical night garden.’ The auction is a fun night to get dressed up. Some guests’ attire will be inspired by the theme, but really, wear whatever you find comfortable.”
Tickets range in price from $50 to $175. You may purchase tickets online.
“Snacks and an open bar are available for guests,” Courtney says. “Seating fills quickly and the event usually becomes standing room only. If a guest wants to be up close to the action, we suggest purchasing a VIP ticket, which includes priority seating and access to a VIP lounge.” She adds that KCAC will sell tickets at the door until they reach capacity. “That being said, we highly encourage guests to purchase tickets prior to auction night as it smooths the check-in process.”
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