The 2015 edition of Spectrum gets off to a soft start with a silent auction tonight, Nov. 12. The fundraising party for the Hunter Museum of American Art kicks into high gear with a gala and live auction Saturday, Nov. 14.
The two dates and different ambiance are by design.
“We are planning a fresh, progressive and exciting event, but we want to return to some features of Spectrum that attendees have indicated they love about yesteryears, such as the formal, seated dinner and a return to hosting the live and silent auctions on separate evenings,” says Lisa Brock, co-chair with husband Charlie Brock.
Tonight’s event, set for 6-9 p.m., includes cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Saturday’s guests will enjoy cocktails and a full seated dinner during the live auction. Events will last from 6 to 11 p.m. Both take place at the Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View. Valet parking will be available.
The art auctions are the major focus of Spectrum, the museum’s major fundraiser. Art Selection Committee co-chairs Alexis and Barry Bogo and their committee have scoured local galleries as well as galleries in Atlanta, Nashville, New York and Austin, Texas, for artworks to meet a wide variety of collector tastes.
New this year is a user-friendly electronic bidding system called BidPal to expedite check-in, checkout and the bidding process for the silent auction and a portion of the live auction. Guests will need a charged smartphone to participate in the bidding. An electronic bidding kiosk will be available for guests without smartphones.
Tickets for the silent auction are $50. Cocktail attire is suggested.
Tickets purchased for the live auction and formal dinner are $200 per person (they also grant admission to the silent auction). A $1,000 patron purchase comes with two tickets to each auction and recognition at the event.
Artwork up for bids may be previewed at www.huntermuseum.org. To inquire about ticket availability, call 423-267-0968.