The Friends of the Arts’ seventh annual Postcard Art auction, exhibition, and fundraiser for College of Fine Arts students has a few new wrinkles this year.
First off, the event, to be held Saturday, April 26, at University Galleries, has got a new name: Postcard Art PLUS: Creating Inside the Box. The name reflects a change in the submission rules. This year, artists may donate 3-D artwork that fits into a 4-by-4-by-6-inch box.
Art is being accepted from Illinois State University alumni, faculty, staff, and students, and local artists and community members. The deadline for submissions is April 11.
Here are a few of the works that have already been submitted this year:
Also this year, instead of attending a one-night auction preview as in years’ past, the public can preview the exhibition starting April 23, anytime between 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing for three days of viewing before the auction.
On the night of the auction the doors will open earlier, at 5 p.m., to allow attendees to enjoy musical performances by the Clef Hangers, Friends of the Arts Board member Dave Shields, and others. The bidding will begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at the College of Fine Arts Box Office or through Ticketmaster. Paid attendees will receive one $50 voucher good for one piece of Postcard art and are guaranteed to walk away with an artwork. Participating artists will receive free admission to the event but will have to purchase an artwork if they want to take a piece home. Admission includes an open beer and wine bar and hors d’oeuvres.
The Postcard event raises money for the Friends of the Arts grant program that supports College of Fine Arts student projects. Last year’s event raised $14,000.
“All of the money goes right back into the students’ pockets,” said Colleen Longo, an administrative associate in the College of Fine Arts.
The event usually features around 200 art donations and has attracted big-name artists like Lou Cella ’85, Harold Gregor, and James Butler.
For more information about the event and auction rules, check out the Friends of the Arts website.
