"Moonlight Drive," a 2014 watercolor on paper by Billy Parker, above. Below is "Red Angel," a 2014 work in carved steel by Russell Whiting.If you're going to the Hunter Museum's Spectrum gala, you still have more than a week to get your tickets.
But the black-tie event is not the only Spectrum fete to vet. You might also consider the less formal Preview Party, set for tonight, Oct. 30, or Spectrum Brunch on Sunday, Nov. 2.
Typically the highest-grossing fundraiser on the Hunter event calendar, Spectrum gives seasoned buyers and novice collectors an opportunity to find works of art while helping to support the museum. Last year, the event brought in more than $150,000 in ticket sales and auction proceeds.
This year, about 90 works of art have been assembled from galleries across the country. A silent auction will feature about two-thirds of that number, a live auction the rest. Auction prices will range from $100 to $10,000.
Forty percent of the money raised will be returned to the galleries. The remaining 60 percent will go into the Hunter's coffers for bringing in temporary exhibits and supporting ongoing programming.
All of the Spectrum events are held at the Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. Purchase tickets at www.huntermuseum.org or by calling 423-267-0968.
> Preview Party: This cocktail reception, happening from 6 to 9 tonight, is the first chance to view and bid on items in the live and silent auctions. Hunter's chief curator and members of Spectrum's art selection committee will be available to discuss their choices. Attendees also have the option of purchasing five "buy it now" works by artists from Chattanooga, Nashville and Charleston, S.C. Preview Party tickets are $30.
> Spectrum Brunch: Now in its fourth year, this midday mixer, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, is hosted by Avant-Art, the Hunter's contemporary group. It, too, offers the opportunity to view and bid on items in the live and silent auctions. Tickets are $20 for Avant-Art members, $25 for nonmembers.
> Spectrum Gala: The main event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8. In a change from last year, the silent and live auctions will be held back-to-back, followed by dinner and dancing. Dinner will be different this year as well. Instead of a seated meal, attendees will feast on heavy hors d'oeuvres in a mix-and-mingle format. Gala tickets are $200 and include a ticket to the Preview Party.