LONG BEACH, CA.- On May 22, 2011, the Long Beach Museum of Art’s fundraising affiliate, Phoenix, will present Art Auction 14: Where Imagination Takes Flight, considered one of the best auctions of contemporary art on the West Coast. This sellout event draws hundreds of discriminating arts patrons from throughout the greater Los Angeles area to bid on new works donated specifically for the event by both emerging and well-known artists. Nearly 100 artists are participating in the exhibition, which is comprised of over 150 works of art that will fill all of the Museum’s galleries. The Museum organizes Art Auction every other year and this year marks our fourteenth exhibition.

All proceeds from Art Auction 14: Where Imagination Takes Flight support the Museum’s artistic and educational programming that continues to serve more than 12,000 children and hundreds of families throughout greater Long Beach each year. These programs give children from every background an opportunity to experience world-class art exhibitions and to explore their own creativity through hands-on art-making workshops. All of the Museum’s educational programming is offered free of charge and in many cases transportation is provided. Programs serve LBUSD students and other local and regional school districts, homeless students, college and university students, families, the general public and teachers.

Art Auction 14: Where Imagination Takes Flight represents a high-visibility venue for a number of local, emerging and mid-career artists. The roster of participants includes internationally-known artists such as ceramicist Tony Marsh and painter F. Scott Hess. Over half of the participating artists are from Long Beach with works contributed by Lori LaMont, Carl Aldana, and Michael Stearns. In addition to the live and silent auction of original works of art, a wide variety of other premium items will be available that evening including a trip to Chicago. Another exciting element of this year’s auction is an opportunity drawing for a chance to win cash prizes.

Entrance to the preview exhibition is free for everyone from April 21 through May 21. Visitors can register to bid early during the exhibition. Admission to the Art Auction 14 event on May 22 is only $95.00 per person. Admission to the early evening fundraiser includes tapas dining, an open bar, musical entertainment and the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind artworks, trips, gifts and experiences.

Auction Event: Sunday, May 22, 2011, 4-9 p.m.
Free Public Preview: April 21 – May 21, 2011