MUSKEGON, MI.- Artists are stepping up to help Michigan’s Muskegon Museum of Art weather choppy economic times, donating works of art for an auction event to benefit the Museum. Fresh Art Live, an auction event featuring live and silent auctions of contemporary fine art, will be held at the Muskegon Museum of Art on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a public reception that is open to the public and is free to attend. Reservations are not required. Those wishing to bid on artwork during the evening will register at the door and receive a numbered bid paddle. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available during the reception and the auction. Both silent and live auction items will be available, with the live auction beginning at 7:00 p.m. Silent auction bidding ends at 9:00 p.m. The opening bid for most objects will be $98 (recognizing that this is the MMA's 98th anniversary year).

Prominent artists from across the region and several nationally known glass artists have donated over original 70 artworks to sell at the auction. All proceeds from the auction will directly support MMA programs and exhibitions. Fresh Art Live artwork will be on display for a special two-week preview in the MMA’s Walker Gallery beginning April 15. Artwork can also be viewed at the museum’s website. Silent auction bidding begins April 15.

Professional fine art auctioneer Bob DuMouchelle of Du Mouchelle's Gallery will conduct the live auction. Absentee bidding is also available; those interested in absentee bidding can complete the Absentee Bid Form on the Fresh Art Live page of www.muskegonartmuseum.org and submit according to directions. Absentee forms are due by April 29, 2010. Special minimum-price reserves may apply on some items. Items not meeting the reserve will not be sold.