Crush art gala to benefit Tucson Museum of Art

The proceeds of the event, which begins at 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, benefit the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block.

“The art at the auction is incredible and all the pieces are different, from a cowboy photograph by Jay Dusard and a painting by Ed Mell to sculptures and a beaded Native American dress from the 1920s,” said Anne Snodgrass, a member of the board of trustees for the museum and chairwoman of the upcoming gala. “There is something for everyone.”

Snodgrass is enthusiastic about the live auction, which will feature pieces appraised at $2,000 and higher by artists known regionally and internationally, along with items such as commission of a single personal portrait by Allen Polt; vintage Bordeaux wines and a gourmet dinner for eight; and a three-night vacation at a Tuscan winery. The auction will be conducted by Bonhams, the international auctioneer and appraisal company.

“People think of art auctions with Bonhams and they think all of the art goes for millions of dollars, but lots of the art sells for much less. And we have large pieces as well as so small pieces, so even if you don’t have a big house or a big wall you can still have an Ed Mell,” said Snodgrass.

In addition to the live auction, the event will include a silent auction featuring about 40 items including art, carpets, fetishes, a chrome bowl by Tom Philabaum and jewelry by Laurie & Lisa Designs.

The gala is the kick-off for the Crush Wine Festival, which will feature wines from around the world and culinary creations from local restaurants from 6 to 9 p.m. April 10 at the museum. Snodgrass is gratified that proceeds from the live and silent auctions and all Crush events will benefit operating costs of the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block, which boasts a permanent collection of more than 9,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art, Native American and Western art, Latin American art, rare books and manuscripts.

“There is no question that the museum is a great asset to the community. The fact that it sits on four acres and includes historic buildings and a portion of original the wall from the Presidio — it is a whole different world. There are unique traditions in Tucson and we are custodians of a part of history with the art and the buildings when you think about it,” Snodgrass said.

Snodgrass said the museum also provides unique opportunities for Tucsonans to experience world-class art through exhibition such as The Figure Examined: Masterworks from the Kasser Mochary Art Foundation, which will be on display through Feb. 22. The exhibition examines the human figure through 120 paintings, sculptures and works on paper by renowned 19th- and 20th-century artists.

“This is a fantastic exhibition that opened in October and it has been going gangbusters for us. Michael Kasser is a local who is a big supporter of UA and the Arizona Theatre Company and he has done so many wonderful things for the community. We are honored to have his collection on display; it is just spectacular,” said Michael Fenlason, TMA director of marketing and public relations.

Fenlason said the exhibition has drawn visitors of all ages to the museum and Snodgrass is delighted that museum’s free admission policy on the first Thursday evening of each month and half-price admission the first Sunday of each month makes such notable art accessible to the entire community, particularly children.

“These are works by Salvador Dali and Mattise — things that you see in big cities, but many people can’t travel to the Met in New York. It is a big expenditure and you can’t necessarily take your children and grandchildren. So this is an opportunity for people of all ages to come and see this wonderful work and learn what a sculpture is and how it is made,” Snodgrass said.

Making art accessible through creative and innovative exhibitions, events and art talks that connect with the community remains paramount to the museum, according to Fenlason.