VAA Art Auction is coming

Lights, Camera, Auction! Get your tickets now for Fall’s biggest blockbuster, where art is the star. Vashon Allied Arts’ annual Art Auction celebrates the glamour of classic Hollywood, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24. Mingle with stars, sip on fabulous cocktails, discover rising new artists and nosh on marvelous morsels! Gallery Opening, your first chance to see all the art, will be 6-9 p.m., Friday, September 2.

Local artists have donated more than 130 pieces of original art including new and favorite artists. This year’s diverse collection represents many mediums, subjects, sizes and prices––something for everyone. Honored 2011 Commissioned Artists are: Gretchen Hancock, Art Hansen, Odin Lonning, Gus Schairer, Nancy Sipple and Elaine Summers.

Some Like It Hot! For Friday night’s hot buffet, Tom French, of Experience Food Project, directs Vashon High School Culinary Arts Program talents to create a memorable dining experience.

Saturday night, The Hardware Store Restaurant caters A Dinner to Remember, a gourmet meal inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age. Enjoy a selection of fine wines from Premier Northwest Wineries, including pink champagne.

Groucho Marx and Carmen Miranda will wow the guests, brought to us by the talented team of Steffon and Arlette Moody. Rumor has it; a few of their famous friends may visit. Have your picture taken with Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball or Clark Gable beside a vintage car.

Auction is VAA’s premier fundraising event––money raised directly impacts arts programming VAA provides Islanders and income-producing opportunities for Island artists. Auction raises money to give scholarships, artist commissions, instructor fees and operational support for the education and development of artists of all ages. Last year’s event generated a net of $100,000 including $40,000 for VAA’s scholarship programs, and returned over $12,000 in commissions to donating artists.

2011 Art Auction is generously sponsored by John L. Scott, Sellen, Puget Sound Energy, LMN Architecture, Sparling, Vashon Thriftway and Trigg Insurance. Tickets are $45 Friday/$120 Saturday, available at the Blue Heron, online at www.brownpapertickets.com or call 206-463-5131.