BOSTON, MA.- This December 6 through 11, art enthusiasts and holiday gift shoppers have the opportunity to buy original artwork—everything from $2 handmade cards to $10,000 prints by renowned artists like Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jim Dine—at the 26th annual December Sale at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (SMFA). Last year, more than $1 million worth of paintings, photographs, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and more were sold at the December Sale, the largest public art sale in New England.

This popular annual event showcases more than 4,000 one-of-a-kind works of art in all price ranges by approximately 800 established and emerging artists, including internationally known Museum School alumni and faculty, affiliated artists, and current students. December Sale is free and open to the public, with pieces rotating daily to create an ever-changing visual delight worth visiting more than once.

“For more than two decades, the December Sale has brought together a varied and impressive collection of artwork,” said Deborah Dluhy, Dean of the School and Deputy Director, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. “We are grateful for the continued contributions of our alumni, faculty, students, and artist-friends, which, together with the invaluable support of the community attending this event, has made the annual December Sale a magnificent win-win event—mutually benefiting artists and our scholarship funds.”

Every purchase of artwork at the SMFA December Sale has a direct impact on the future of the visual arts. All net proceeds benefit Museum School student scholarships. In 2005, the December Sale raised more than $1 million toward this effort. This funding is vitally important to the education of young artists, as the Museum School annually commits $4.4 million dollars to meet the growing need for student financial aid. This year, 72 percent of all SMFA students are receiving some sort of financial aid.

December Sale buyers receive complimentary admission to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, on the day of their December Sale purchase. Visitors will need to show their receipt at the ticket desk at the MFA to receive free admission.

December Sale is held on the first floor of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, located at 230 The Fenway, across from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Limited garage and street parking are available, and visitors are encouraged to take public transportation. The SMFA is accessible via the Green Line E train (exit at Museum of Fine Arts stop), the Orange Line (exit at Ruggles stop), or the #39 bus (exit at Ruggles Street).