Each year, the Murray State Department of Art and Design holds an auction of student, faculty, alumni, and community artwork to raise funds for student scholarships. This year, the department hosts the auction online for the first time. Art professor Danielle Mužina speaks to Tracy Ross about the new format and works included.
The pandemic postponed last year's auction, and Mužina says the department was eager to restart the annual tradition. "It's one of the main ways our department raises money for student scholarships," Mužina explains.
"It's also a way of boosting morale when things are still sort of gray. We haven't been able to do it for a long time. So, we're really excited to get to host the auction this year with [32Auctions.com]."
The public can access the auction through MSU's 32Auctions page now through November 15th, 2021. The department will also be updating its Facebook and Instagram pages with daily featured works. Local delivery, pick-up, and shipping are available for all purchased works.
Bidding is open through November 15th, but the public can also buy pieces at a "buy now" price point through November 14th. Any piece can be purchased automatically at the "buy now" price point.
There is a favoriting feature on the website, which allows you to track the progress of specific artwork during the auction. "So, if you have your eye on five or six pieces, but you want to see how the bidding progresses before you bid, you could wait until the last day to get your name in there," Mužina says.
"We also this year, for the first time, are offering a featured faculty, student, and alumni. Our featured faculty is Todd Herzberg, who's our drawing professor," she continues. "We also have a featured alumnus, Bailey Roman, who graduated in May 2020; a featured student, Kerrie Pullen, who's still currently here at Murray State."
Mužina says the department wanted "to highlight as many aspects of all the artists that make up the MSU Department of Art and Design's community. Especially since the pandemic has hit the arts really hard, we want to highlight what great things we've got to offer on the part of faculty, students, and our awesome alumni."
Available works include paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and a mid-century ottoman. "It can go in any living room, in my opinion, if I don't get to it first," Mužina laughs.
While this is the department's first attempt at an online auction, they are considering keeping the new tradition. "Being able to put this online increases the number of potential bidders who may not be able to come to the area for specific reasons," Mužina says.
"It could potentially increase the amount of scholarship money we'd be able to raise for students. It's our trial run right now, but it seems very exciting and offers a lot of potential for the future for further reach."
Mužina says to check the department's daily Instagram features and live Facebook updates. "If you need any more information outside of the auction website and our social media platforms, you can contact the Department of Art and Design at msu.art@murraystate.edu."
