Time to bid

“Marmalade Sunset,” a one-of-a-kind linocut by senior art major Emma Smith, is up for bid in the ArtsGala silent auction.

While the COVID-19 pandemic may have canceled Wright State University’s ArtsGala for the second year in a row, an online silent auction provides a myriad of opportunities to support students in the fine and performing arts.

“The ArtsGala silent auction offers something for everyone,” said Nick Warrington, director of events and community engagement for the College of Liberal Arts. “From world-class bourbon, cigars and wine to VIP concert packages, dining experiences and amazing vacations, we have items that appeal to every taste, palette and sense of adventure.”

The ArtsGala silent auction will run from April 14 to 20. Participants are encouraged to sign up by texting “artsgala21” to 76278. Auction items may be previewed at artsgala21.givesmart.com.

Original artwork created by Wright State students and alumni will also be up for bid including “Marmalade Sunset,” a linocut by Emma Smith.

A senior art major, Smith is also an ArtsGala scholarship recipient. She transferred to Wright State from Edison Community College and will graduate in May with a 4.0 grade point average. Smith’s work is a monoprint, which means that there is only one copy.

A photograph by Anna Fox titled “Reflection of a Notion Once Normal” is also up for bid.

“This photo was taken in November 2019, a time before we were so conscious of the surfaces we touched,” said Fox, who is majoring in anthropology and art. “The photo was taken in a restaurant on a vacation trip — two things that carry much more significance in a time of isolation. It is a reflection and reminder of our way of living in the recent past, and a hope for what we may return to in the future.”

A raffle for a Peloton bike or $3,000 cash is also being offered to raise money for student scholarships. Raffle tickets are $50 each. To improve the odds of winning, only 200 tickets will be sold. The raffle will launch on April 15.

“Reflection of a Notion Once Normal,” a photograph by anthropology and art major Anna Fox, is also up for bid in the silent auction.

Another unique aspect of the ArtsGala silent auction is the opportunity to “Adopt a Student” in Wright State’s art, music, theatre, dance or motion pictures programs. Successful bidders will be connected with a student in the program they choose to support and have the opportunity to see the student perform, receive updates on the student’s progress during the upcoming fall semester, and enjoy dinner with the student and a Wright State staff member.

“This is wonderful way to help support a student’s education while also getting to know the student,” said Warrington. “At ArtsGala, patrons have the opportunity to see our talented students perform, but they don’t get to hear their personal stories, hopes and dreams. By adopting a student, our supporters will be able to follow a student’s journey at Wright State.”

Other highlights of the silent auction include:

• Tickets to the 2021 U.S. Open Tennis Championship men’s and women’s finals along with a three-night hotel stay
• A two-night stay in a private home or condo near Augusta, Georgia, with admission to a practice round for the 2022 Masters Golf Tournament
• A three-night stay at a private estate in Louisville with a VIP experience at Churchill Downs
• A four-night stay in a luxury villa with a private chef in Puerto Vallarta
• A three-night stay in a three-bedroom cottage near the heart of Nashville
• A private mixology master class and three-course cocktail tasting at Tender Mercy