This year’s ArtsThrive Exhibition and Benefit, organized by the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, will showcase 389 individual works of art that include paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photographs and more. The event, kicking off Oct. 7, will help support the Albuquerque Museum and local artists.
By exposing their work to new audiences and prospective collectors, the event brings awareness to lesser-known artists. This year the foundation hopes to gross $270,000, which is nearly one-fifth of the organization’s FY22 budgeted revenues. After accounting for all expenses and payments to artists, the foundation hopes to net about $120,000 to support the staff, programs and exhibits of the Albuquerque Museum.
The Magic Bus
The Albuquerque Museum uses the ArtsThrive exhibit and events to raise money for a variety of programs and exhibits. Proceeds from the exhibit and the Collectors’ Dinner event will support the Magic Bus education program, which underwrites the cost for 10,000-plus K though 12 students from our community to connect annually with art and history exhibits at the Albuquerque Museum. The program offers many underprivileged children an opportunity to visit a museum. By providing complimentary buses and take-home art activities and supporting the creation of docent-led video tours, the foundation sustains an unparalleled educational resource for the community.
The Importance of Arts Programs
Andrew Rodgers, executive director and CEO of the Albuquerque Museum Foundation, says “The arts are not just personally fulfilling and soul-nourishing, but also a powerful tool for social change. Studies have shown, for example, that low-income students who are highly engaged in the arts have high school dropout rates five times lower compared to their peers, score 100 points higher on the SAT and are twice as likely to graduate from college. And arts-rich communities have 18 percent less serious crime and 14 percent fewer reports of abuse and neglect.” The Magic Bus program and the educational initiatives of the Albuquerque Museum are geared toward leveling the playing field for K through 12 students and providing access and opportunities they would not otherwise receive.
This year is the 31st anniversary of the ArtsThrive Art Exhibition and Benefit and features an in-person exhibit of works at the Albuquerque Museum that runs from October 9 to December 5. There will also be a companion online gallery. The ArtsThrive Un-Gala runs Oct. 7, from 10am to 6pm, and features an online auction of more than 300 works of original art.
Tickets for the Collector’s Dinner (Oct. 7, 6 to 9pm) are $225 and are available by contacting Elaine Richardson via email at erichardson@albuquerquemuseumfoundation.org or by phone: 505-677-8491. Attendees will need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination status or a negative test within the past 48 hours to enter the event.
For more information visit the Foundation’s website (https://albuquerquemuseumfoundation.org/artsthrive/) or go directly to the online gallery (https://virtualauction.bid/ArtsThriveOnlineAuction) to view the artworks and register for free to bid, starting the evening of Oct. 7.