SAN DIEGO, CA.- The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego will host the 11th biennial Art Auction at its downtown location at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 28. The highly anticipated event will feature live and silent auctions of approximately 100 works by early career and internationally recognized artists, including John Baldessari, Liza Lou, Wangechi Mutu, and Ed Ruscha.

The biennial event is the Museum's largest fundraiser, providing vital support for educational programs, exhibitions, and art acquisitions. All works are carefully considered by MCASD's Director and Curators.

"MCASD's Art Auction allows visitors to switch from being mere observers of art to being active collectors of it," said Kathryn Kanjo, The David C. Copley Director & CEO. "MCASD's curatorial team invites exhibiting artists, whose works reflect the dynamism of today's art world. The objects range in style, scale, media, and price: whether you're an auction veteran or just looking for an entertaining way to support the Museum, Art Auction 2018 has something for you."

This year's auction will offer a range of works, from paintings and sculpture, to works on paper, all donated from artists and galleries both locally and internationally. Artworks will be on display in the galleries at MCASD Downtown from Saturday, March 10 through Wednesday, March 28, the night of the auction.

Art Auction 2018 will begin at 6:30 PM with a hosted bar and ample food stations as guests enter their silent auction bids. We are pleased to announce Christie's as the official auction house partner, and Senior Vice President Lydia Fenet as auctioneer for the evening. The live auction will begin at 8 PM, after which Fenet will conduct a live closing of select silent auction works to conclude the evening.

Guests at this year's auction will have exclusive access to special-edition Art Auction 2018 paddles created by artist Mara De Luca. These limited-quantity paddles are available to Gold Circle ticket purchasers. Gold Circle ticket holders will also be able to preview the works and receive tours and curatorial counsel at a private VIP Preview Reception on Saturday, March 10, 2018. Mobile bidding will open at the VIP preview.

Event tickets will go on sale and contributing artists will be announced in January 2018.