"Art and All That Jazz" is the theme of this year’s art auction at the Bonifas Arts Center, which will take place Saturday, May 11. The auction and accompanying raffle are the arts center’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Proceeds help support projects throughout the year, such as gallery exhibits, classes, workshops and youth programs.

"This year, live jazz will enhance the regular traditions of this annual community event," says Bonifas Arts Center development associate Emily Meyertholen.
The auction features artwork by the area’s prominent local artists as well as other donated items including trip packages, gift certificates, jewelry, massages and much more.

The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with music, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. This year’s new format will include silent auctions before and after a short main auction, which well take place from 8:15 to 9 p.m. The public is invited to preview all artwork in the Bonifas galleries May 7 through 11. Advance bids may be made at this time.

Tickets to the auction are $20, available beginning April 2 at the Arts Center, Gust Asps and The Frame Farm in Gladstone.

This year’s raffle prizes include a weekend on Mackinac Island this September with two nights at the Lakeview Hotel courtesy of Gary and Vickie Micheau, dinner for two at the Village Inn and tickets to the Grand Hotel’s jazz festival; a Trek mountain bike courtesy of Michael Manning and Mr. Bike, Ski and Fitness; a Green Bay weekend getaway including a hotel stay and two tickets to a Mainstage performance from the Weidner Center; season tickets to Players de Noc’s 2002-2003 season compliments of Players de Noc; and $100 cash. Raffle tickets will be available to the public soon and winners will be drawn at the auction. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5. Bonifas members will receive 13 raffle tickets in the mail with an offer to buy them for $20.