Young Audiences of Western New York Collectors Choice Art Auction and Gala

YOUNG AUDIENCES OF WESTERN NEW YORK CONTINUES TO CELEBRATE ITS
50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH COLLECTOR’S CHOICE ART AUCTION AND GALA
Auction offers items from area’s lead collections and artists

Jan. 4, 2013 – Buffalo, NY – Young Audiences of Western New York is pleased to announce “Collector’s Choice—an art auction,” featuring artwork on the block from the area’s leading private collectors and artists. An exciting live auction will offer everyone—from seasoned collectors to those who may be purchasing art for the first time—many opportunities to fall in love with a piece of art, bid, and take it home. All proceeds will benefit Young Audiences of Western New York, the region’s leading arts education provider. The event takes place Saturday, April 20 at 7:00 pm. It will be held at Tapestry Charter School.

Live and silent auctions, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar are all part of the festivities. All are welcome to join Young Audiences in celebrating the arts through this opportunity to purchase a piece of art by local artists—many of whom will be in attendance.

Daniel Hart, executive director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and also on the board of Young Audiences, is chair of the event. Gerald Mead, noted local collector, artist, and teaching artist for Young Audiences is honorary chair.

Young Audiences presents this auction fundraiser in part as a way to connect artists and artworks with the public—a mission that it lives out every day, as it provides teaching artists of every genre (music, dance, theater, literature) who work extensively in schools, after-school venues, and community locations to engage children in creative learning through the arts.

Young Audiences executive director Cynnie Gaasch, also a freelance writer and artist herself, wrote in a 2006 Buffalo Spree magazine article about art collecting, “the important thing each collector stressed was that they just started buying, and making decisions about what they liked. You will quickly find that you get more enjoyment out of a favorite artwork than you would from a sofa or TV...you will find your life made fuller by the artwork you live with and look at each day." - “World Class: Buffalo collectors are acquiring cutting-edge contemporary art,” Buffalo Spree, March 2006

That is the emphasis here—and everyone will find the opportunity to connect with art in some way. This special, one-time art auction supports Young Audiences of Western New York’s arts-related programs. Now in its 50th year, Young Audiences is expanding to an ever-widening range of partners and venues, including schools, after-school programs, museums, and the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. The programs enhance young people’s lives through the arts, and are presented throughout the eight counties of Western New York.

WHAT: Young Audiences of Western New York Collectors Choice Art Auction and Gala
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2013, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
WHERE: Tapestry Charter School, 65 Great Arrow Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216
HOW MUCH: Tickets are $25/person general admission; $125/person for Patron tickets; and $200 for Patron Couple tickets. To purchase online, guests may go to http://www.yawny.org/collectors
INFO: yawny.org or 881-0917

Young Audiences also seeks support in the form of sponsorship and donations, including wine, restaurant gift certificate and silent auction items. For more information, those interested may visit www.yawny.org or call 881-0917.
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ABOUT YOUNG AUDIENCES: Young Audiences of Western New York is a not-for-profit arts-in-education organization whose mission is to make the visual, performing, and literary arts a part of young people’s lives in order to enhance their development as creative and productive human beings. This mission is fulfilled every day within the eight counties of Western New York with performances, workshops, and residencies in educational, cultural, and community centers. In operation for 50 years, Young Audiences of Western New York’s teaching artists support children learning core curriculum subjects through the arts, with over 100,000 artist contacts for children and families each year. Visit www.yawny.org for more information about Young Audiences of Western New York.