2024 Benefit Art Auction Exhibition

Missoula Art Museum features 81 contributing artists in the 2024 Benefit Art Auction exhibition, opening with a First Friday celebration on Jan. 5 from 5 to 8 PM.

Silent auction bidding begins simultaneous with the First Friday event on MAM’s auction website and closes on the night of the live auction gala, Feb. 3. A buy-it-now option will be available on all silent-auction items, enabling bidders to secure a final sale on an artwork for a premium price at any time.

The public can hear auction artists talk about their work at free auction art parties during Thursday late hours Jan. 11, 18, and 25, from 5 to 7 PM. Josh Farmer will play tunes on the museum’s grand piano during the events and Missoula Wine Merchants will offer tastings of special wines to be featured at the live auction gala. Volunteers will circulate to help bidders register on the auction site and manage bids online.

The institution’s first annual benefit art auction began was held in 1972 to raise funds to help open the museum in 1975. Artists have given generously for over 50 years, making artists some of the museum’s most generous patrons. Artists donate between 50 and 100 percent of proceeds from sales in both silent and live auctions.