Time is running out to purchase tickets to INCOGNITO, Santa Monica Museum of Art’s highly anticipated annual exhibition and benefit art sale that returns for its eighth year next Saturday, March 17.
The event is being enhanced by the first-ever PRECOGNITO Gala and Preview event next Thursday honoring philanthropist and collector Eileen Harris Norton, artist Paul McCarthy, and founder of the Bergamot Station Art Center, Wayne Blank.
INCOGNITO 2012 will be held from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will feature more than 650 original artworks for sale by 500-plus leading, mid-career and emerging contemporary artists, including renowned artists John Baldessari, Mark Bradford, Marco Brambilla, Judy Chicago, Kim McCarty, Yoko Ono, Raymond Pettibon, Ed Ruscha, Betye Saar, Mickalene Thomas, William Wegman, and many more.
All artworks are the same 8”x10” size and available for only $350 plus tax. This highly energized evening encourages attendees – from sophisticated art patrons to first-time collectors – to trust their instincts in selecting the works, as each work is signed on the back and the artists’ identities are revealed only after purchase.
This year, for the first time, the Museum will host PRECOGNITO, a preview and gala next Thursday, March 15 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Museum’s Main Gallery. Attendees will be treated to an exclusive preview of the more than 650 works of art available for purchase at INCOGNITO, an elegant dinner by Lene, and musical entertainment by NYC DJ Duo Cassie and Harley.
Acclaimed artist and INCOGNITO 2012 honoree Paul McCarthy designed the logo for this year’s benefit, which represents the unique spirit and energy of this groundbreaking evening.
The element of surprise that underlies INCOGNITO reflects the essence of discovery that inspires SMMoA’s exhibitions, education, and outreach programs. All proceeds directly support the Museum.
A variety of PRECOGNITO/INCOGNITO special packages and ticket levels are available.
To get a sense of the exhilaration of INCOGNITO, a video produced by Richard Schacter in collaboration with SMMoA staff can be viewed at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jr6wpDa99AA and this time-lapse video by Steve Craig: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu42tGsG_Ho.
Tickets may be purchased through Thursday, March 15, after which they may only be bought at the door at INCOGNITO on the evening of March 17 (based on availability).
To purchase tickets, call 310.586.6488 ext. 116, email incognito@smmoa.org, or visit www.smmoa.org/incognito2012. All ticket purchases are non-refundable. All tickets (and artwork vouchers where applicable), will be held at Will Call at the Museum on the evening of the PRECOGNITO/ INCOGNITO events.
SMMoA is located at the Bergamot Station, Building G1, 2525 Michigan Avenue, Santa Monica.
