Avant-art, the Hunter Museum’s young patron group, works with the museum to cultivate the next generation of patrons, artists, and collectors, and to make the Hunter more accessible through unique and fun experiences, officials said. Members of Avant-art enjoy access to exclusive Hunter events like art collectors’ workshops, the first ever Hunter Underground Preview Party, and free drink vouchers and discounted tickets to other events throughout the year.
On Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m., Avant-art will host its premier annual museum fundraiser, Hunter Underground, for the 11th consecutive year. Sponsored by Lawson and Winchester Wealth Management, Hunter Underground provides guests the chance to explore the Hunter Museum’s basement, which will be converted from a maze of art storage to a night club with music, entertainment, and art. The evening will feature a special performance by members of the Chattanooga Ballet, DJ Pip’s “Hits and Misses,” small bites by Events with Taste, and creative cocktails. Additional support for Underground is provided by Alice and Billy Oehmig, Scenic City Eye Care, BB&T Insurance Services, and Maycreate.
"Tailored to veteran and young collectors alike, the Hunter Underground Silent Auction works with new galleries and dealers to broaden the selection of artwork every year, and offers a wide range of price points. The goal of Underground is not just to raise much-needed revenue for the Hunter, but also to expose those in attendance – some who are coming to the museum for the first time – to the joy of collecting a piece of art," officials said.
This year’s silent auction will feature works by local artists Scott Hill, Tracy Sharp, and others from Chattanooga galleries, as well as regional artists represented by galleries in Asheville, NC, including Blue Spiral and Riverside Studios.
The evening also includes the ever popular Smash and Grab Gallery. Underground attendees can purchase Smash and Grab Gallery tickets; those whose tickets are drawn will have 30 seconds to enter the Smash and Grab Gallery to grab a work of art to add to their personal collections. This year’s Smash and Grab Gallery includes more than 30 works donated by artists such as George Dawnay, Carylon Killebrew, Mark Bradley Shoup, Lisa Norris, and Cessna Decosimo.
In addition to discounts on Hunter Underground tickets, Avant-art Leaders and Avant-art Members receive exclusive access to the first ever Hunter Underground Preview Party, which begins at 7 p.m. and includes a champagne toast and the first two Smash and Grab Gallery drawings. To learn more about Avant-art or to become a member, call 752-2045.
Hunter Underground tickets are available online, or by calling 423-267-0968 and must be purchased by March 2. Tickets are $30 for Avant-art Leaders, $50 for Avant-art members, and $60 for general admission. Tickets include event admission, food, and drinks. Must be 21 or older to attend.