On Saturday, February 4, local art lovers have a great way to show their love and support for this area’s blossoming art scene and will have a great time in the process. Downtown Raleigh’s Visual Art Exchange (VAE) presents For the Love of Art — a fabulous annual tradition and fundraiser for the organization. The event supports VAE’s many education programs and exhibitions, which serve the entire artistic community from at-risk youth and aspiring high school artists, to emerging and professional artists.
For the Love of Art is a creative and glamorous gala event featuring both silent and live auctions. Attendees will get to enjoy live music, dinner, drinks, and a chance to bid on some of the area’s best and most exciting pieces of art—all in support of a great cause.
“The Auction is a really high energy, fun event” says Sarah Powers, VAE’s Executive Director. “The artwork in the silent auction inspires many bidding frenzies, so guests are usually very active and engaged. The bidding on the live auction art also gets exciting – with 450 people cheering for the artwork. That is the best part of the evening for me, hearing everyone cheering for VAE’s artists!”
Another unique part of the event is the special “For the Love of Cake Exhibit,” where local bakers make edible artwork that are exhibited during the silent auction. Gala attendees can check them out and vote on their favorites.
The event is black tie optional and takes place at Downtown Raleigh’s Marriott City Center On February 4 from 6:30-11:00pm. General admission tickets are $85 each or $170 per couple and includes dinner, drink tickets for wine and beer, and admission to the live and silent auctions. Tickets can be purchased online at fortheloveofartauction.eventbrite.com.
Show some love this February for one of Raleigh’s most treasured art organizations and treat yourself to a wonderful evening out and beat those post-holiday blues.
For more information, visit visualartexchange.org/gala/.