MISSOULA, MT.- Missoula Art Museum invites the public to celebrate 81 artists at the First Friday opening of the 2024 Benefit Art Auction exhibition on Jan. 5, 2024, from 5 to 8 PM. The opening reception features live music by The Mighty Travis and a no-host bar that highlights specially selected wines that will be served at the live gala on Feb. 3. The Art Auction exhibition will be open through Feb. 1, 2024.

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. Professional art auctioneer Johnna Wells will return to call the live auction during the live auction gala on Saturday, Feb. 3, in University of Montana’s University Center Ballroom. Tickets are on sale at the Early Bird price of $125 through the night of Jan. 5. Following the reception, ticket prices will rise to $150.

Also on Friday, Jan. 5, the public can view projection art by Lauren Strohacher for Save the Yellowstone Grizzly on the west side of the museum building exterior, sponsored by MAM. Save the Yellowstone Grizzly hosts a Celebration of the Grizzly and shows their newest film, Return of the Grizzly, on Thursday, Feb. 1, at the Wilma Theater in Missoula. The screening is free and open to the public, with doors at 6 PM and the film at 7 PM followed by a Q&A and live music at 8:30.