CLAREMONT, CA.-Join the Claremont Museum of Art on Saturday, November 17, 2007, for an exciting evening of fun and art at its first annual art auction, VELOCITY 2007. The evening, which benefits the Museum’s exhibitions and programs, is dedicated to the work and vision of Milford Zornes on the occasion of his Centennial celebration.

“Milford Zornes is an important member of the local art community,” says Museum Executive Director William Moreno. “We thought it was essential to recognize his tremendous influence on a great number of artists.”

VELOCITY will give art patrons and community members an opportunity to bid on art from established and emerging artists working in a variety of media. Starting bids range from approximately $100–$500, depending on the artist and piece. Many of the participating artists live in Claremont, while some hail from other places within California.

As of October 22, participating artists include Fumiko Amano, Dawn Arrowsmith, Ellen Babcock, Karl Benjamin, Barbara Beretich, Enrique Castrejón, Steve Comba, Hollis Cooper, Zoe Crosher, Paul Darrow, Luis Delgado, Ron Feldman, James Fuller, Margaret Gallegos, Gary Geraths, Ed Gomez, Crispin Gonzalez, Rebecca Hamm, Angela Hennessy, Tom Herberg, Luis Hernandez, Gérman Herrera, Janice Hoffmann, James Hueter, Christopher Irion, Kevan Jenson, Jennifer Kaufman, Ken Johnson, Kristie Lippire, Miguel Lopez, John Lucas, Andree Mahoney, Jerome Edward Mahoney, Jane Marquis, Rebecca Martinez, Harrison McIntosh, Blue McRight, Rebecca Miller, Miguel Osuna, Vincent Ramos, Roland Reiss, James Sansing, Martha Saudek, Elizabeth Sides-Preston, David Svenson, Ruth Trotter, Linda Vallejo, Perry Vasquez, Matt Wardell, Antrese Wood, Michael Woodcock, Suzan Woodruff, Liat Yossifor, and Connie Zehr.

The silent auction and reception take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and the live auction program is from 8:30 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and a hosted bar throughout the evening. Tickets and packages begin at $100 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Event access also includes entry to the Auction Preview on Friday, November 16, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m., which marks the official opening of the silent bidding.

To compliment the Art Auction, on Tuesday, November 13, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m., Museum Executive Director William Moreno, Curator Pilar Tompkins, and Claremont Fine Arts President Mike Verbal will lead a panel discussion on approaches to collecting art. General admission is $5.00, and members are admitted free.

A special High Speed package is available for $1,000 and includes: a special listing in the event program book; six tickets to the auction, preview, and panel discussion; and a Sustaining Museum Membership (a $500 value) with a wide variety of benefits and activities.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Evonne Gallardo, the Museum’s Director of Development, at (909) 621-3200 ext. 103 or info@claremontmuseum.org. All proceeds benefit the Claremont Museum of Art’s exhibits and programs and are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

All events take place at the Claremont Museum of Art, located at 536 West First Street inside the Packing House.