Story by Allison Boggan, Staff writer

Photo by Nora Crafton/The News

Walking into the 2018 Annual Art Auction on Friday, Nov. 9, in the Clara M. Eagle Gallery, attendees were greeted with a trio of guitars and the murmur of conversation.

This event was free and open to the public. It showcased works of art from numerous faculty, students, alumni and local artists. Proceeds from the auction went toward funding scholarships for art and design majors. 

The annual art auction took place in the main space of the Clara M. Eagle Gallery. The event featured a silent auction from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a live auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event featured live music, free hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The featured artwork for the 2018 auction was a painting by Professor Danielle Mužina, “It’s A Girl,” 2017, oil, open acrylic and collage.

Students were able to donate their art, time or both for the event in exchange for eligibility for these scholarships. Art donations were accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday until Nov. 5.

Lauren Morgan, freshman from Louisville, Kentucky, explained the volunteer and donation process.

“The volunteers helped to set up the gallery and refreshments,” Morgan said. “Student volunteers also walked the art pieces around during the live auction to show the crowd the piece up close and help get them interested.”

Kaylyn Scarbrough, sophomore from Eddyville, Kentucky, did not originally plan on attending the art auction, but once she arrived she was glad that she did.

“I initially went to the auction to bring my roommate the money they left in our room, but once I got there and looked around I decided to bid on some earrings and a painting,” Scarbrough said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t win either of the items, but the food was delicious, so it was okay.”

Namia Gilpin, freshman from Murray, is an art student who attended the event. She went to support her friends who had pieces in the silent auction and because she deeply values the scholarships that the event funds.

“Going to college is really expensive; the scholarships are really going to help lessen that blow, anything to help shave at least a little of that off,” Gilpin said. “I just think it’s so amazing that people would even come to this event and buy all of the art.”