Get your masquerade costumes ready, it’s time to celebrate the 29th annual Hambidge Art Auction. More than 200 emerging and established artists are participating in this year’s silent auction.
The 2024 programming includes a special hidden section of artwork priced at $100 with no bidding that will go live at 7 p.m.
The celebrations officially kicked off in early September with a series of Mask-Making Fun Lab workshops. During the workshops, which were hosted at venues such as Whitespace Gallery, Bella Cucina, Whoopsies, the Goat Farm, and the Temporary Art Center, participants were encouraged to craft one-of-a-kind masks with the help of artist instructors.
Last week, on Thurs., Oct. 17, Lonnie Holley led a Mask-Making Fun Lab at Uptown Atlanta during the Opening Artist Reception.
“I think what’s exciting this year is the masquerade theme, which is exactly what we were playing off of with all of these mask making workshops around town,” said Hambidge Center for Creative Arts and Sciences Executive Director Jamie Badoud.
He explained that while the Hambidge Art Auction is known for showcasing artists of all varieties and disciplines – including dance, music, performance, and more – he is particularly excited to find opportunities for guests to become a part of the celebration.
Hambidge has been in a period of growth in recent years as evidenced by the recent launch of their Antinori Village (which I wrote about back in May) and their new related workshops on the property in North Georgia, and with that growth comes a need for vital fundraising.
“This environment really needs to support artists,” said Badoud. In fact, two workshops at Hambidge are included in the online auction this year.
In the course of our conversation, Badoud discussed the financial predicament of nonprofit institutions and cited a 30% decrease in nonprofit contributions across the board.
In the Hambidge Art Auction, 40% of the sales go to the artists themselves, and the remaining profits are essential for continued programming at Hambidge.
“It’s the end of the year, and it’s a really important fundraiser for us, so for folks to come and support what we do and have fun, we feel like that’s a win-win-win,” said Badoud.
While masks are not required, dressing up is strongly encouraged. The last time that the Hambidge Art Auction had a masquerade theme was 2019, and Badoud recalled that it was a fun, joyful celebration of art.
“It was a big hit,” said Badoud, “we knew that we were on to something really special, but in 2020 the pandemic hit and that took the mask wearing joy away.”
This year’s event will be held at Uptown Atlanta, a venue that Badoud describes as an “ideal space.” Offering plenty of space for an extensive display of artwork, plus room for innovative performances, food pop-ups, and live music, the venue is well suited to an event such as this.
The 2024 Hambidge Art Auction & Masquerade will take place on Sat., Oct. 26, and as the date draws near the excitement surrounding the event is palpable. Whether you’re in it for the artwork, the fundraising, or the fun, there are sure to be plenty of ways to enjoy yourself at this year’s celebration.
Want to join the party? You can browse the available artwork, get your bids in, and buy tickets online today.
