(MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN) – Museum of Wisconsin Art is delighted to announce The MOWA Contemporary 2024, Wisconsin’s premier art auction event, on August 10, 2024, at MOWA | DTN inside Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel. The MOWA Contemporary raises critical support for the museum and for Wisconsin’s exceptional community of artists. The exhibition will feature a curated selection of more than forty works of art and art experiences by a mix of established and emerging artists. Works in the exhibition are available for purchase in an online silent auction July 26—August 10. The in-person live auction will take place at MOWA’s annual fundraising dinner on August 10. Fifty percent of both the online and live auction sales will be given to the artist as part of MOWA’s 50/50 Pledge. Auction artwork will be on view June 26—August 26 at MOWA | DTN.
In addition to being one of the museum’s largest fundraising events, the MOWA Contemporary celebrates art educators and the essential work they do—fostering creativity, inspiring broader perspectives, and building stronger communities. “MOWA is delighted to shed light on these exceptional art educators who work tirelessly as arts advocates and educators to instill a love of the arts in youth and in our communities across the state,” said Laurie Winters, James and Karen Hyde Executive Director. The event will honor two of Wisconsin’s outstanding art educators whose unwavering commitment, advocacy, and mentorship help further the field.
The biennial event itself includes a spectacular dinner, two art auctions, and an unparalleled evening of celebration. Artworks range from $500 to more than $20,000 and include painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, works on paper, and design. “The MOWA Contemporary is more than just an auction,” said Brianna Fischer, MOWA’s Director of Development, “it is an opportunity to support MOWA’s mission to provide quality arts education programming for all ages and to foster Wisconsin’s arts economy through acquiring artwork made by Wisconsin artists.” MOWA will also host an exhibition soft opening on July 19 at MOWA | DTN, where attendees can preview auction works with participating artists and exhibition curators.
The MOWA Contemporary is made possible in part by our signature sponsor Burke Properties. The event is additionally sponsored by: Associated Bank, Continental Properties, Guardian Fine Art Services, Horicon Bank, the Leola Culver Family Foundation, Pick Heaters Inc., Quarles & Brady, Pegasus Partners, Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel, West Bend Insurance Company, and Laurie and Brian Winters.
Join MOWA for a night of artistic excellence in support of Wisconsin’s vital community of artists and art educators. Individual tickets, table reservations, and sponsorship packages are available with all proceeds benefiting MOWA and the arts education programming it supports. Visit wisconsinart.org/contemporary or contact Brianna Fischer at bfischer@wisconsinart.org to secure your seat.
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VIEW CATALOG
Guzzo Pinc, Brand New World, 2022