More than $660,000 raised — and counting — following Bellevue Art Museum’s Artful Evening

More than 450 guests filled the Hyatt Regency Bellevue ballroom July 19 for Artful Evening, Bellevue Arts Museum's annual fundraising event. The event and auction cover nearly one third of the museum's annual budget.

July 28, 2014 10:00 am
Bidders raise paddles to bid on auction items at the gala.
Bidders raise paddles to bid on auction items at the gala.

More than 450 guests filled the Hyatt Regency Bellevue ballroom July 19 for Artful Evening, Bellevue Arts Museum’s annual fundraising event. The event and auction cover nearly one third of the museum’s annual budget.

“We are extremely pleased with the growth of our annual fundraising gala- Artful Evening” said Linda Pawson, BAM’s interim executive director. “It is testament to the success of the museum’s role as a leading, vibrant cultural institution in the region.”

This year’s event was co-chaired by Danielle Rosenfield and Susan Edelheit.

“There was a wonderful sense of community in the room that built throughout the evening” said Edelheit. “It was inspirational to see the concrete expression of support for BAM’ s exhibitions and programs.”

Artists featured in the live auction included Cappy Thompson, Jenny Pohlman and Sabrina Knowles, Erich Woll, Micheal Cepress, and Paul Komada. Three silent auctions featured over 100 works, many of which were donated by 2014 BAM ARTSfair artists from around the nation.

Following on the heels of a successful match campaign by the Klorfine Foundation for 2013-2014, the foundation, established by Norma and Leonard Klorfine, offered a dollar-for-dollar match up to $250,000 during the Raise the Paddle portion of the evening. Through both efforts BAM raised over $660,000 in gifts to be matched by the foundation.

This year, Artful Evening recognized honorees Anne and Lee Kilcup and GLY Construction for their contributions to the community.

Anne Kilcup has been a member of the Bellevue Arts Museum family for over a dozen years. Starting as a provisional docent and joining the board in 2008, she has served as the board’s secretary, vice president, and president. Lee has been a supporter of BAM since Anne joined the “family.” He retired in 2012 after a 27 year tenure at GLY Construction where he served as the president and CEO.

GLY has been a partner to BAM since 1998 providing sponsorship for exhibitions alongside a number of programs including BAM ARTSfair, the Capital Campaign, and the annual Community Leaders Breakfast. This year was the first year of their three-year commitment to help underwrite Artful Evening.

GLY Construction and Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP were the Presenting Sponsors of Artful Evening. Supporting Sponsor for the evening was Fisheries Supply.

BAM’s Director of Art, Craft, & Design, Stefano Catalani (right), recognizes the 2014 Artful Evening honorees Anne and Lee Kilcup and GLY Construction. COURTESY PHOTO, Robert Wade