Celebrating creativity and highlighting student artists, the Long Beach City College Art Gallery raised $8000 with its first-ever silent auction in the Liberal Arts Campus K building on Sept. 23.
The Emerge into the Arts benefit showcased a variety of student artwork including paintings, pictures, and sculptures that were available for bidding.
Attendees received catering from Lola’s Mexican Cuisine and drinks by Auld Dubliner; along with live entertainment from DJ Linda Nuves and the bossa nova band Robaflor.
The event served as an opportunity for students, alumni, faculty, and friends to support the future of LBCC’s art gallery.
“I’m super thankful for the gallery,” said Nick Eismann, a photography student who donated his piece “Bui Reservoir”; a collection of pictures taken in Ghana.
“For those who want to get into art, just start doing it. Make your art work with your everyday life.”
The funds that were raised will be used to host upcoming exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks.
“This event is for the students,” stated LBCC Art Gallery Manager, Karla Aguiniga. “The more funds we raise, the more opportunities we can provide them with.”
The Emerge into the Arts benefit introduced the inaugural Student Art Awards; a collection of prizes totaling $2000 that will be presented to three Visual and Media Arts students during the annual Student Art Exhibition in May 2024.
“There’s a real sense of community here,” said Luis Moreno, LBCC Arts Alumni and Adjunct Faculty. “The art department puts all of its attention into the students. I was able to get a full-ride and complete my portfolio here. If art calls to you, tend to that need.”
This lively night came to a close with the end of the auction and the announcement of raffle winners who won season tickets to LBCC’s theater program.
Bids ranged from $80 with Eloise Wood’s piece “Homage to Anna Atkins” to $320 with Joe Corso’s piece “La River.”