STANFORD, CA.- The Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University announces Treasure Market, March 26–29, 2009, with the theme “The Art of Collecting.” This biennial sale of art, antiques, and collectibles, now includes two evening events preceding the popular Saturday and Sunday sale. Bonhams appraiser Alan Fausel, frequently featured on "Antiques Roadshow," is the guest speaker at the Champagne Preview, which kicks off Treasure Market on Thursday, March 26.

“The first sale, in 1958, was organized by the museum’s newly formed membership group. Since then, volunteers have raised more than $3.5 million, and all proceeds benefit the museum’s acquisition fund, adding 1660 works to the collection over the years,” said Joan Hong, Treasure Market co-chair and member of the Cantor Arts Center’s Membership Board. “Devoted museum members work year-round, soliciting, accepting, and storing donations of antiques, china, collectible books, crystal, silver, linens, furs, jewelry, furniture, and fine art from around the world. Four hundred volunteers work more than 6000 hours to produce this much-anticipated event.”

The Thursday, March 26 Champagne Preview is a view-only (no sales) affair, 6–8:30 pm, with hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a panel of experts to give guidance to those interested in collecting art and spotting the unusual. Alan Fausel, who regularly appears on “Antiques Roadshow” produced by PBS, will serve on the panel in addition to his role as guest speaker. Fausel has nearly 30 years of art-world experience as a scholar, curator, and appraiser. A Stanford alumnus, he began his curatorial career at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. He currently oversees Bonhams Fine Arts department in New York. As an appraiser, he specializes in paintings and drawings from Old Master to Modern. Tickets to the preview, $150 for Cantor Arts Center members and $200 for non-members, include admission to Friday’s opening night party and the Saturday sale as well.

A silent auction at the Thursday and Friday evening events includes The Mannequin Project. “We presented eight local artists with female display mannequins to transform,” said Jane Lanza, who is Treasure Market co-chair and also a member of the Cantor Arts Center’s Membership Board. “The results of their exploration and innovation provide the opportunity to take home a unique work by a contemporary artist. Other silent auction items include vintage wine and a lithograph by French artist Joan Miró.”

Sale of all objects begins at the opening night party, Friday, March 27, 6:30–9:30 pm. Tickets are $75 for Cantor Arts Center members, $100 for non-members, and include admission to the Saturday sale. Admission on Saturday, 10 am–4 pm, is $5. Admission is free on Sunday, 10 am–2 pm.