"A Tour Break," an oil on canvas by Joe Mullican, is among the works of art included in the silent auction at Hunter Underground.IF YOU GO
What: Hunter UndergroundWhen: 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23Where: Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff ViewAdmission: $40 Avant-Art members, $50 nonmembers in advance; $60 at doorPhone: 423-267-0968Website: www.huntermuseum.org/events/hunter-underground-2013.htmlNote: Must be 21 or older
Hunter Underground is a party unto itself, but one of its draws has become its own anticipated event.
Now in its sixth year, Hunter Underground is a chance to party in the basement of the Hunter Museum of American Art with members of Avant-Art, the museum's young-minded contemporary group.
"Garage-grass" band Strung Like a Horse is set to entertain, and there's a silent auction of art geared toward the new collector. Works in the silent auction are from local and regional artists and galleries.
What many guests most look forward to is the chance to enter the Smash and Grab gallery. For a suggested $25 donation, attendees are entered into a drawing, and names are drawn throughout the night. Each time, the lucky ticketholder has 30 seconds to enter the Smash and Grab gallery to grab a work of art to take home.
"Smash and Grab is a fun way to add to or begin a personal art collection," says Lindsay Richardson, Avant-Art committee chairman. "The key is to buy multiple chances so you're more likely to take home one of the works by some very well-known artists."
Tickets to Hunter Underground include food, beer, wine, signature cocktails and soft drinks. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.
A preview of the items available in the silent auction is available at huntermuseum.org.