ARLINGTON, TX.-The Arlington Museum of Art will hold the annual Auction and Gala. This years’ theme is Valenshine. The annual gala and auction is the major fundraiser of the year for the museum and is considered to be one of the hottest tickets in town for collectors of Texas contemporary art. This year’s event entitled Valenshine, includes over 100 works by Texas artists in live and silent auctions. This year’s line up of live auction artists include: Bill Barter, Stephen Battle, Ed Blackburn, Rachel Bounds, Janet Chaffee, Susan Cheal, Ken Dixon, Christopher French, Dorothy Gilstrap,Terrell James, David Keens, Jessica Neary, Pamela Nelson, John Pomara, Winter Rusiloski, Gregory Story, Pamela Summers, and Elaine Taylor.

“We are excited to host the press, our artists, and the Arlington Arts Alliance at a sneak peek behind the scenes at how we put together one of the best events in Arlington. The public sees the museum when boxes and crates are put away, art is in place and ‘the curtain is about to go up’. This preview is a real chance to take the pulse of this extraordinary event” said Anne Allen, Director of the Arlington Museum of Art. Artists will be on hand to talk about their works.

A ticketed Preview Party is scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2006 from 6-9 pm. The Preview Party is open to both the public and members this year. A new “Buy It Now” feature allows bidders to guarantee “the winning bid” beginning at the Preview Party.. Along with sumptuous food and drink, there will be music provided by Shanghai Five. Tickets for the event are $20 for members and $25 for non-members and can be purchased by calling the AMA- 817-275-4600.

The Gala features both a Silent Auction and Live Auction and will be held Saturday, February 3, 2007 from 6:30 to midnight. Tables and individual tickets can be purchased by calling the AMA. Tables for 8 are $1,000 for members and $1,200 for non- members. Individual tickets can be purchased for $125 for members and $150 for non-members.

Co-chairs Linda Dipert, Doreen Bruner, and Lynda Freeman expect this year’s Auction and Gala to sell out quickly like last year. They recommend getting reservations in as soon as possible to guarantee a spot.