Burchfield Penney Hosts 25th Annual Art Auction and Gala
More than 100 pieces of art, including paintings, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and sculptures created by Western New York’s most distinguished artists can find new homes during the Burchfield Penney Art Center’s 25th annual Art Auction and Gala on Friday, September 20.
The black-tie event, held from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the art center, will feature silent and live auctioned pieces. Approximately 400 people are expected to attend the gala, which is co-chaired by Burt and Patricia Notarius and Gina and Erik O’Neill.
Money raised during the art auction helps fund the ongoing operating needs of the Burchfield Penney, a museum dedicated to the art and vision of Charles E. Burchfield and to the distinguished artists of Western New York. Private dollars make up about one-third of the art center’s budget, according to Carolyn Morris-Hunt, the art center’s chief operating officer.
The art is available for viewing starting Wednesday in the art center’s East Gallery and online at www.bidpal.net/bpac. Local artists, including members of Buffalo State art faculty, have donated a lovely array of works, several of which already have received bids. At the gala, auction participants can place their bids through their iPhone or iPad.
The auction will take place in a two-story tent in the art center’s entryway. With the lights decorating the tent, Morris-Hunt said the result is “truly breathtaking.
“We want to make it magical to reflect the beauty of the inside of the building, too,” she said. “The art auction and gala gives us the chance to show off the Burchfield Penney and the Buffalo State campus.”
Individual tickets cost $200; sponsorship tables cost $1,400. If interested in attending, contact Jim Wyman at (716) 878-3739 or wymanj@buffalostate.edu to make a reservation.