“Big Love” is a wall sculpture that Nashville artist Herb Williams constructed from Crayola crayons.
Contributed Photo by Hunter MuseumMore than 250 people attended last year’s Hunter Underground and even more are anticipated this Friday. According to Austin Center, member of Avant-art and one of the organizers of the event, the evening provides young-minded collectors of all ages with an introduction to Hunter Museum of American Art and a chance to buy affordable, quality art.
“Avant-art is a hip, contemporary group of people whose goal is to connect to the community through art,” said Center. “Throughout the year, we hold various events and parties that make the museum accessible to the public.”
“Hunter Underground” will feature food, beverages, entertainment and about 75 artworks for sale. The silent- auction portion will be composed of 35 pieces that were acquired from galleries in Chattanooga and Nashville. These pieces are priced $500 or less.
The Smash and Grab Auction will have about 40 artworks available. These pieces were donated by participating artists, as well as museum patrons and collectors.
By purchasing a ticket to Smash and Grab, each attendee is entered in a drawing. Individual tickets are drawn at random throughout the evening, and the lucky ticketholders have 30 seconds to choose from the artworks in this section. Attendees can buy as many Smash and Grab tickets as they want.
“We introduced this section to Hunter Underground last year, and it was such a success and created so much energy that it ended up being the focal point of the event,” said Center.
One of the artists who will be returning this year is Herb Williams of Nashville.
“Herb has really made a name for himself as one of his pieces was selected for the White House’s art collection and the White House asked him to create an artwork that will be given to all the heads of state,” said Center.
Williams will have a piece in both the silent auction and Smash and Grab.
Hunter Underground will be held in the museum’s basement and will begin at 8 p.m. Event tickets are $40 per person or $60 per person for the event plus one Smash and Grab ticket. Additional Smash and Grab tickets are $25 each or five for $100. Tickets to “Hunter Underground” must be purchased by Wednesday. To purchase tickets, call 267-0968 or visit www.huntermuseum.org.
Casual or party attire is appropriate.
The art available can be seen online at www.huntermuseum.org. The museum is at 10 Bluff View.
E-mail Ann Nichols at annsnichols@aol.com.