SPRINGFIELD – The Visual Arts Gallery at the University of Illinois at Springfield is seeking donations for its 12^th annual silent auction fundraiser, set for Monday through Thursday, February 24-27. Art works donated by UIS students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends will be displayed for silent bids each day, and a reception will conclude the event on Thursday evening, February 27.

Donations of art in any medium – your own work or pieces from your collection – are welcome and will be accepted through February 21. Monetary donations will also be accepted, as will donations of art-related services such as photography sessions or caricatures. Donations can be dropped off in the gallery, located in room 201 of the Health and Sciences Building on the UIS campus, during gallery hours – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or by appointment. Pieces should be marked with the known or estimated value and the donor’s name, address, and phone number. Inclusion of donated items is subject to approval by UIS Visual Arts program faculty.

The auction is the gallery’s only fundraiser and supports exhibits, workshops, lectures, musical performances, and other programming, and allows the gallery to bring in shows by nationally known artists. Recent exhibits have included works by ceramist/sculptor Sun Koo Yuh and upcoming events will celebrate Women’s History Month.

All proceeds from the auction will be used to support gallery operations. Call gallery manager Sharon Black at (217) 206-6506 for more information or to make special arrangements for dropping off donations.

-30-