Allyson Putman
Staff writer

For those with an eye for art and a skill with a bid paddle, tonight’s art auction in the Clara M. Eagle gallery is the place to be.

The Murray State Art Department is hosting its annual art auction at 7:30 tonight, with the doors opening at 7 for a preview of the items featured. The event will have artwork in both a live and silent auction.

Jeanne Beaver, professor of metalsmithing and jewelry, is the coordinator this year. Students, faculty and members of the community are encouraged to donate artwork for both the live and silent auctions. Although she said she does not have an actual figure on the number of pieces being auctioned, she is expecting several entries.

“We are expecting anywhere from 20 to 30 pieces for the live auction and 100-150 pieces for the silent (auction),” Beaver said.

The goal for the art department is to raise $10,000 for student scholarships and visiting artists programs. Though that amount has not been reached in previous years, Beaver said she is still hopeful.

“It’s mostly a scholarship event,” she said. “Eighty-five to 90 percent of the money raised goes toward scholarships, with the remaining money funding the visiting artists programs.”

To be eligible for these scholarships, students must volunteer at the event and donate pieces.

Channing Fisher, senior from Germantown, Tenn., is a second year participant. She said she is entering two metal pieces into the auction – a pair of earrings and a broach.

Fisher said students are donating several different types of artwork.

“It’s pretty much just a mix of everything,” she said.

This year, the auction will include metals, woodwork, painting, photography and much more.

The auction is not only an opportunity for art students to receive scholarships, but also students looking for a fun evening on campus.

Lindsey Cox, senior from McGrath, Ala., said she is looking forward to the event. She attended the auction both her freshman and sophomore years, but had to miss last year’s auction because she was studying abroad.

“I started going because my sister has had pieces in the auction before,” Cox said. “So many of the pieces that I have seen in the live auction are incredibly intricate.”

She has maintained steady involvement with art department programs after her sister’s graduation last May.

Cox said her sister participated every year as an undergraduate and had a piece of art sell for more than $100 in a silent auction.

The support the art department receives from the University and community as a whole is one of the things that attracts Cox to participate in the event.

“I think it’s great the University supports and funds them the way that they do,” she said.

After the live auction, guests are welcome to continue browsing and bidding for items in the silent auction. The Eagle gallery is located in Price Doyle Fine Arts building.

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