MAM's 40th Benefit Art Auction Exhibition
January 6 - February 1, 2012 // Shott Family Gallery & Helen & F. Morris Silver Foundation Gallery
Exhibition Opening and Artists' Reception: January 6, 5-8 PM
Artists' Gallery Talk: Jennifer Combe and Jane Goffe, January 6, 7 PM
Artini: Sleuth, January 19, 6-9 PM
MAM's 40th Benefit Art Auction: February 4, 5 PM

This year, MAM's Benefit Art Auction is turning 40! The 40th Benefit Art Auction features the works of 95 artists from across the state and country. The exhibition will open on January 6 with a reception from 5-8 PM to honor the participating artists. The auction event - cocktail hour with art preview, seated dinner and live auction - will again be held at the Holiday Inn Downtown at the Park in Missoula on February 4.

For the 40th anniversary of this important annual fundraising event, MAM will celebrate the scores of generous auction artists that have participated throughout the years. In addition, we will honor Montana artist, Bill Ohrmann, who donated art to MAM's very first Benefit Art Auction in 1972, and has continued to donate ever since.

The 95 artworks that compose the Live and Silent Auctions cover a broad range of style, media, and genre that will appeal to diverse tastes. The variety of objects presented ensures a truly unique and eclectic exhibition and promises an exciting auction with spirited bidding. The Silent Auction features work from past auction favorites such as Missoula's James Todd, who has donated a masterful drawing, and newcomers like Noah
Massey who offers a quirky screenprint. You will also find photography, ceramics, and a pleasing variety of other media, all offered at affordable opening bids. In addition to the array of quality artists, the Live Auction includes ceramic works by numerous artists featured in MAM's recent Persistence in Clay exhibition including newcomers to the auction Adrian Arleo, Stephen Braun, and Robert Harrison. Perennial favorites George Gogas
and Stephanie Frostad, and emerging talents like first time participants Jack Metcalf and Kelsey McDonnell round out the assortment of artworks.

The theme of this year's event, It Was 40 Years Ago Today, will take us back in time to the decade of the original MAM Auction. Co-Chairs Pat and Jeff Aresty have led a dedicated and creative committee of eighteen volunteers to make this exhibition and auction even more enjoyable.

Seventy-two generous art loving businesses in Missoula have stepped-up in support of MAM's 40th Benefit Art Auction. Above all, we must thank our Presenting Sponsor, for their fourth year of major sponsorship, US Bank. Bank President Faye Hanson-Warren and her associate Colleen Sickles are MAM's champions and we are very grateful for their dedicated support. We would also like to acknowledge the generous printing donation from Thomas Printing of Kalispell; and specifically the support of Frank Thomas, owner, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his business. Thanks also to all of the businesses who purchased ads in MAM's auction catalog as an expression of support of MAM.

We encourage our guests to take advantage of the Holiday Inn's 'Ride the Elevator Home Rate' offering of $69/room tax. Don't miss this priceless evening of pure fun. Purchase your table or tickets today.

Tickets: $80 for Members // $100 for non-members // $100 at the door // $800 for a table of ten (Payment in full for reservation; Guest list by Jan. 27)

Visit www.missoulaartmuseum.org or call 406.728.0447 to purchase tickets, a MAMbership, or a table by January 27, 5PM.