February 2012 -- A trip for two to Miami and one of the world’s most important art show. An exclusive dinner party for 20 prepared by one of Chicago’s finest chefs and served in a suspended glass room. An “everyone’s Irish” package that includes passes to the Chicago Irish Film Festival and South Side Irish Family Fest as well as access to a special viewing area for the return of the South Side Irish Parade. A chance to watch a Chicago Bulls game from box seats.

 

Whether you’re a traveling art lover, a sociable gourmet, a family that loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, or a Chicago sports fan, there is an experience package just right for you at For the Love of Art, the 41^st Annual Auction, Sat., Feb. 11, at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111^th St. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event will feature a professional live auction offering an outstanding array of unique experience packages and items.

 

The Beverly Arts Center Auction mixes the thrill of bidding on silent and live auction items with the pleasure of an evening of entertainment by the Smiley Tillmon Band and the Grace Notes, savories by Leona’s and sweets by Favia Cafe, and a cash bar for a great night of socializing. Last year’s event was sold out with more than 400 people attending.

“Every year the BAC Auxiliary Board does an outstanding job planning, organizing and presenting the Auction,” said BAC Executive Director Michael Nix. “And every year they find spectacular packages like this year’s trip to Art Basel Miami Beach to offer up for bidding.”

 

“One of the most prestigious art shows in the Americas, the 11^th Art Basel Miami Beach [to be held Dec. 6 to 9] will feature works by more than 2,000 artists and from more than 260 leading galleries from North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa,” explained Eileen Holderbaum, BAC Auction chair. The show also showcases performance art, public art projects and video art, and is a critical resource for art lovers interested in contemporary, emerging and museum caliber works. Included in the Auction package are airfare, three-night oceanfront accommodations at the historic, romantic Beacon Hotel South Beach, admission to the art shows, and an exclusive tour of the exhibits by Cristin Tierney Art Advisors.

 

According to Holderbaum, the BAC Auction will offer travel, entertainment, sports and cultural packages, as well as an outstanding variety of service packages including a bedroom makeover and unique items including a City traffic light that really works!

 

“The Auction is a great time,” said committee member Sal Campbell. “Bidding on live and silent auctions items, dancing to the Smiley Tillmon Band, enjoying delicious food and cocktails -- it all adds up to a great night out and supports one of the area's most important organizations."

 

The Auction is the Beverly Arts Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year and BAC Auxiliary volunteers spend months working on it. Serving on the this year’s Auction Committee are Ellen Murphy, Sal Campbell, Kathy Figel, Kathy Olivi, Stacey Dixon, Penny Golden, Betsy Spolarich, Rita Swanberg, Anna-Marie Brodsky, Carol Lett, Kerry Winters, Edris Hoover, Colleen Doherty and Eileen Holderbaum.

 

 “We are a group of people who appreciate having a vibrant art center in Beverly, and we work to support it,” Holderbaum said of the BAC Auxiliary Board.  “We are always looking for new ideas and fresh faces.”  Anyone interested in volunteering on Auction night or joining the Auxiliary Board should call the BAC, 773-445-3838. 

 

The Beverly Arts Center is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit.

 

Auction tickets are $50 and available by calling 773-445-3838 or online at www.beverlyartcenter.org. Check out the Beverly Arts Center Auction on Facebook or the BAC website for more information.