SAN FRANCISCO.- This November, the Academy of Art University hosts the most highly anticipated emerging art charity event of the year: the 13th Annual Faculty & Alumni Fine Art Auction. In partnership with Bonhams & Butterfields, the Academy of Art University offers guests an exceptional opportunity to support emerging student artists through acquiring works by some of the finest internationally collected artists that call the Bay Area home. The dazzling list of rising talents and established contemporary masters including Erik Blome, Emily Clawson, Lindsay Goodwin, Jung Han Kim, Carolyn Meyer, Craig Nelson, Tae Park, and David Whippen, have representation at esteemed galleries nationwide and have been profiled in a wide range of prestigious publications. Auction attendees are able to buy that first special piece or build on their collection, while giving generously to the Academy of Art University Student Scholarship Fund. In 2007 alone, the Fine Art Auction raised an impressive sum of $180,000. With over seventy Faculty and Alumni Artists participating across the disciplines of Painting, Sculpture, and Jewelry, both the Live and Silent Auctions will provide a magnificent spectrum of technique, medium, and mood.

The 13th Annual Faculty & Alumni Fine Art Auction begins on Thursday, November 6, 2008 with the opening of the Preview and Silent Auction bidding at 9:00AM. Bids may be entered in person at 79 Gallery or online at www.academyart.edu/auction. The Academy welcomes art enthusiasts, collectors, and members of the media to a Preview Party on November 6th from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The Live Auction and a Reception will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2008, beginning at 3:00pm. The Silent Auction concludes approximately 30 minutes after the Live Auction. All events are hosted by the non-profit galleries of the Academy of Art University and take place at 79 Gallery, 79 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Fifty percent of the proceeds are donated directly to the Student Scholarship Fund and are tax deductible. Fifty percent of the proceeds are dispersed directly to the artist. Online bidding is available at www.academyart.edu/auction. Cash, checks, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted. For more information, please call (415) 618-6115 .