There's an auction this week at the Amarillo Museum of Art, which aims to give local artists greater exposure, while also paving the way for young artists to develop their skills.
"With a starting bid of $120, it makes it pretty affordable, about the cost of going to see a movie and a dinner, you can have an artwork made by a local artist or a regional artist, or a nationally-known artist," said Alex Gregory, curator.
It’s the 14th annual 12x12 exhibition and silent auction, which puts limits on the size of each entry, no larger than twelve inches by twelve inches, but not the variety.
"We'll have blown glass pieces. We'll have sculptures. We'll have ceramics. We'll have painting, watercolor, drawing, printmaking, so there really is something for everybody," Gregory said.
The money raised by the auction is split evenly between the artists and the museum, which uses its share to advance the various art education programs they offer to schools all over the panhandle, such as after school classes and weekend workshops. Gregory says it's especially important in districts that don't have a full-time art teacher.
"There's a concept of VTS, visual thinking strategies, so that it helps, not only in visual art, to look at art, and to make art, but it also helps in the creative process and critical thinking, so it's an important part of what we do with our outreach in the Panhandle," he said.
It’s also a chance for you to appreciate up close the talent that exists here in the Panhandle, and show your support, by placing a bid during the silent auction.
"I'm always surprised by the amount of talent in the Panhandle that, without this type of exhibition, you wouldn't be able to find or see."
Tickets for the exhibit and auction are $12 dollars, fittingly enough.
It's Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
The museum is on the Amarillo College campus at 22nd and Van Buren.