The We Are Art Silent Auction is open online!
Visit the BetterWorld auction page to start bidding.
Make an appearance for an evening of music, comedy, drag, and art featuring DJ Lee Engele, emcee Dan Hanger, drag performance by Zenith City Horror, and special appearance by Ru Paul's Drag Race Season 13 star, Utica! Turn your self-expression up to 11 with wild outfits, intricate makeup, dramatic hairstyles, and artist-made statement pieces. Find one-of-a-kind treasures in the silent auction and play fundraising games with a host of colorful revelers. Enjoy appetizers by Valentini's and a cash bar.
We Are Art: The 2022 DAI Masquerade Gala
October 27, 5:00PM–9:00PM
St. Louis County Depot Great Hall
General admission: $75
Last-minute tickets: $50
EVENT DETAILS:
- Bring your phone, you will need it to participate in the auction
- Bring cash for Heads and Tails, donations via drag performer tipping, and cash bar
- There will be heavy apps served
- Credit cards accepted for cash bar
- Do your auction setup HERE prior to arriving
- Extravagant outfits or fun costumes, including masquerade masks, are encouraged but NOT required
- Masks are optional—we limited ticket sales to leave room to mingle without feeling crowded
AUCTION DETAILS:
In order to bid, you will have set up an account on the BetterWorld auction platform. This is a secure site.
The auction site will ask for your credit card information upon account setup. Your card will be charged ONLY for any winning bid(s) at 8:30pm the night of the auction.
The auction is open NOW for bidding online. Feel free to share the auction registration site with friends! There is no admission fee to participate in the auction.
SCHEDULE:
5:00 pm Doors Open: grab a cocktail/mocktail and get ready to party!
5:30 pm Zenith City Horror Drag Performance & Time Warp dance-along
6:00 pm Welcome by Emcee Dan Hanger
6:30 pm Utica’s First Performance
6:45 pm Fundraising Program
7:20 pm Heads and Tails
8:00 pm Utica’s Second Performance
8:30 pm Silent Auction Ends Emcee Dan Hanger will send us off!
(Winners: check out and pick up auction items)
9:00 Gala ends and the VIP event begins
Parking available in Michigan Street Ramps. One ramp is located on Michigan and 6th Avenue. One ramp is located on Michigan and 5th Avenue.
Use the Performance Arts Wing Entrance (near rotunda). There is construction under the Depot Portico (Depot Great Hall Doors) and these doors are blocked off.
Masks covering mouth & nose encouraged when not eating or drinking.
Costume masks encouraged but not required!
FAQ:
What is Drag?
Drag is an art form intersecting performance, fashion, dance, makeup, and a vast array of personal artistry while celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ experience. Through its decades of history, drag has built a safe space for LGBTQ+ community through its "found family" structure, economic support, and joyful, collaborative creativity. Drag performance is a versatile art that can be catered to any context, from Drag Storytime at the public library, to Drag Brunch at a local restaurant, to parades, nightclubs, and theater stages. And now, the DAI Gala!
What can I expect at the Gala?
The Gala is an evening of fundraising and celebration for supporters of the Duluth Art Institute. Frequent gala guests expect a comfortable & classy atmosphere with socializing, drinks, creative costumes, and unique entertainment to compliment the evening's fundraising program. This year's gala will focus on celebrating art, fashion, and self-expression, and our lineup of drag performers are ready to showcase their most fashion-forward (often handmade) looks with beginner-friendly performances!
