UIS Visual Arts Gallery hosts annual Silent Auction Benefit featuring original works of art

The University of Illinois Springfield Visual Arts Gallery will hold its annual Silent Auction Benefit from December 2-12, 2013. This year, the auction boasts a wide range of high caliber works by artists from Springfield, throughout Illinois, and beyond. A closing reception, along with final bidding, will take place on December 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Visual Arts Gallery.

This annual fundraising event will feature an extraordinary range of work by artists who are celebrated locally and nationally. Artists Chris Britt, Mike Miller, Shane Harris, Felicia Olin, Thom Whalen, Kevin Veara, and Betsy Dollar are among the list of local artist donors. The list goes on to include Bloomington artists Erin Hayden and Mel Cook, Peoria artists Bill Conger and Ann Coulter, and Decatur artists Lyle Salmi and Molly Hesie. We also extend beyond the region, offering works from Chicago-based artist Dawn Gettler, Brooklyn-based artist Victoria Calabro, and Minnesota artist Liz Miller, among others.

This remarkable collection of donated works is accessible to the community through this annual Silent Auction Benefit, which supports gallery programming throughout the year.

“We work to bring in artists that have strong reputations and can offer original works. It’s always encouraging to see how artists, especially in our local community, donate their own work to support visual arts in Springfield,” said Jeff Robinson, UIS Visual Arts Gallery Director. “Now we look to the broader community for continued support through bidding. It’s likely one of the best opportunities to obtain an original work of art or even a functional, unique holiday gift, and very likely at a significantly reduced price. This auction is a chance for anyone to acquire a unique work of art and, at the same time, support programming here at the Visual Arts Gallery.”

The Silent Auction Benefit will launch bidding at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery on Monday, December 2, and bidding will remain open through Thursday, December 12. A December 12 reception, scheduled from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., will include complimentary refreshments as well as offer final bidding for auction items. This event is free and open to the public. The UIS Music Camerata will also be performing.

The UIS Visual Arts Gallery is centrally located on the UIS campus in the Health and Science Building, room 201 (HSB 201). Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information on exhibitions, please visit the UIS Visual Arts Gallery website at www.uis.edu/visualarts/gallery, or contact the gallery by phone at 217/206-6506 or email Allison Lacher at alach3@uis.edu.