’60s theme for annual auction gala

It’s that time of year — when art lovers and collectors from all over converge on Arts Benicia for the nonprofit’s annual Art Auction and Gala.
This year’s event is slated for Sept. 19. The theme, “The 60s Experience: Mad Men to Magical Mystery Tour,” came about through a collaboration between new Arts Benicia Executive Director Celeste Smeland and art auction chair Jeffrey Tover.
Because the Art Auction is Arts Benicia’s largest event of the year, Mary Shaw, program director, said it really does “take a village” to make it happen.
She said in addition to Tover, the auction will be directed by Barrie Robinson, silent auction lead; Pat Hall, live auction lead; Anthony Shannon of Miyoji Productions, who will be in charge of sales; and Stephen Schumm, decor lead.
“(Schumm’s) vision and combined lighting design from 3-Stage Lighting will make the evening a magical mystery tour,” Shaw said.
New this year is an online preview of much of the art up for auction. The page is located at artsbenicia.org/donating-artists.
Seventy-nine artists have donated work to the auction. Fifteen of the art pieces will be in the live auction. This year’s auctioneer is Jimmy Reed, a professional cattle auctioneer.
“We know he will bring his professional flair to the live auction,” Shaw said.
​”There are some really unique and even important works of art available for auction this year,” Shaw said. “That alone is worth the ticket price.” One such piece: a monotype by Bill Harsh, who died in October 2012.
Other donated art items include paintings, mixed media, collage, sculptures, blown glass, woodwork, textile art and more.
The silent auction, meanwhile, will include two sections that will close at different times — “to add to the excitement,” Shaw said.
Accompanying the art items will be “adventure packages” that can be bid on. Loretta Ose is in charge of organizing those.
“She’s gathered lots of interesting items — from Berkeley Rep tickets to autographed sports memorabilia and tickets to Sonoma Raceway,” Shaw said. “There’s something for everyone.”
One of the staples of the gala over the years has been photographer Michael Van Auken’s photo booth. It will return, Shaw said.
“​Michael Van Auken always pulls out all the stops for the auction,” she said. “He will be offering photos with ​one of the most recognizable 1960s icons: ‘Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.’
“You really don’t want to miss having your photo taken by Michael this year.”
There also will be some recognizable ’60s personalities in attendance — but that’s where Shaw suddenly became tight-lipped.
“That’s all I’m going to say about that,” she said.
To add to the ’60s flavor, the Rellik Tavern will offer themed cocktails, and “tasty treats” will be offered by First Street Café.
Shaw credited Arts Benicia’s many dedicated volunteers and donating artists, “without whom this event would never happen.”
And she added that dressing to the theme is encouraged of attendees, but not mandatory.
“We just want to make it fun,” she said.

If You Go
The 2015 Art Auction and Gala will be Sept. 19 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Benicia Clock Tower, 1189 Washington St. Tickets are $45 per person for members and $55 for nonmembers and can be purchased at artsbenicia.org/2015-annual-art-auction-and-gala; at Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St.; or by calling the gallery at 707-747-0131.

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