ARTS COUNCIL OF BIG SKY
The Arts Council of Big Sky will once again be hosting its Annual Auction for the Arts on Thursday, Feb. 22, in the Grand Ballroom at the Montage Hotel in Big Sky. The event—now in its 12th year—includes a fixed price lottery sale, live and silent auctions, a quick-finish with selected artists, food, drinks and live music.
Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Dec. 8, at 9 a.m., online at bigskyarts.org. The Arts Council will also be hosting a soft opening for the Auction Preview Exhibition, featuring selected artworks for the auction’s Luck of the Draw component, at the BASE gallery on Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. as part of the Christmas Stroll weekend. The Luck of the Draw sale is a new addition to the fundraising gala that showcases artwork by elite artists at a fixed price.
Committed bidders can submit an intent to purchase form to enter an auction-night drawing for the opportunity to purchase artwork. Featured artists include Clyde Aspevig, Stephanie Revennaugh, Josh DeWeese, Ralph Oberg, Ben Miller, Marianne Kemp and many more.
This annual fundraiser for one of Big Sky’s longest running non-profits has become one of the region’s most anticipated events of the year, and features some of the best local, regional and national artists. It’s a great way to support the Arts Council’s mission of enriching the community through artistic experiences, as well as supporting working artists. Proceeds raised from artworks sales help fund the organization’s education programs, including its pioneering Contribute-What-You-Can art class fee structure, providing accessible and affordable options for participants of all ages. The Arts Council debuted a brand-new classroom in March of 2022, which includes pottery wheels, two kilns and space for a variety of art classes.
“The new arts classroom has been a tremendous success since it opened, boasting more than 1,000 participants so far” said Arts Council Executive Director Brian Hurlbut. “It’s a true asset to the community and has allowed a wide variety of aspiring artists to take classes.”
Hurlbut noted that 40 percent of the art class participants have taken advantage of the lower fees in the Contribute-What-You-Can program. In addition, a third of the art class registrants have donated more to allow others to afford to participate.
“Raising additional funds for this program will allow it to continue,” said Hurlbut. “Our goal is to provide access to the arts for everyone, and this program is the best example of that.”
The event also includes a weeklong preview of auction items with an opening reception slated for February 16. For more information, visit bigskyarts.org.
