Black bear eating from my apple tree, August night, 2012

Friday, April 12, 2013

MASKS Art Exhibit at the Fort Collins Museum of Art

I'm happy to be contributing art to this year's "Masks" fundraiser and show at our local art museum. Last Friday's opening was a huge success and I was really impressed by the talent and the diversity of creative ideas featured. I encourage anyone in the area to check out the exhibit, vote for their favorite, and even place a bid or two. Here's my submission--"Sugar Skull," a Mexican "Day of the Dead" piece.



Here's more information on the show, from the museum's recent email:


"Now on display are 206 masks for the museum's annual fundraiser. Until May 3 you have the opportunity not only to admire the masks, but also to bid on them silent-auction style. Bids start at $40.00 and everyone can bid!

There were 1,377 people who came through during First Friday Gallery Walk with a waiting line out the front door - awesome. One mask already has a bid of $1,200.00! However there are plenty of masks available at the opening bid amount – stop in today to find your favorite.

Below is more information about this event.

Silent Auction
Over 200 masks are on display in the Main Gallery and Gallery 101 which is the student gallery. Each mask has been created by members of our community from all walks of life. They have generously donated their time and creativity to benefit the exhibitions and educational programs of Fort Collins Museum of Art.

How to Bid
 1. Obtain a bid number card from volunteers at the reception desk and throughout the galleries. Fill out the bottom of the bid card and return to the reception desk. Use your bid number to bid on your favorite masks. Bid sheets are located near each mask, be sure that you are bidding on the correct mask and please write legibly!
2. All masks have a beginning bid of $40.00 but you may start the bidding higher. Be sure your bid amount is at least $5.00 above the former bid.
3. Come back often to check if you're still the highest bidder. The Silent Auction closes on Friday, May 3rd, at 9:00 p.m.
4. The winning bidders will be called on Wednesday, May 8 to pick up their masks May 8 – May 12. Payment will be collected at that time.

Phantom Gems
 As you go through the museum you will see an image of the Phantom of the Opera mask. This image signifies that the mask has a Phantom Gem attached to it. The gem could be tennis lessons, admission to an event or a basket of goodies!

Please read the bid sheet for the mask to learn about the Phantom Gem attached to it.

When bidding on the mask, please consider the value of the Phantom Gem that goes with it. The winning bidder of the mask also wins the Phantom Gem – two lovely items with one bid!

People's Choice Voting
You may vote for your favorite mask as the People's Choice. The winning mask artist will receive a family membership to the museum. Ballots and an acrylic ballot box are located in the reception area.

Gala Masks and Proxy Bids
 If you bid on a Gala Mask you are bidding on mask that goes to the Gala Celebration at Embassy Suites on April 20. If you cannot attend this event, you may give us your proxy bid and we will continue to bid for you at the gala. Gala Celebration reservations are $125.00 per person. Reservations must be made by April 12. Please talk to Gloria or April for more information."

For those who are interested, my mask comes with a "Phantom" gift of cupcakes from a local bakery, so if you win the mask, you win those too.

Here's a link to the web site.