MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum held its annual Celebrity Art Auction Thursday Night inside the museum.
They are things of beauty, things of function, and things you just need. This auction had a wide variety of objects to bid on. As the largest fundraiser of the year for the Up Children’s Museum, Thursday’s auction didn’t disappoint. Executive Director of the museum Jessica Hanley says the items up for bid might come from your neighbors, your friends, or co-workers.
“You get to come out and support people you know, doing art that they love or experiences they love, and at the same time, it’s supporting the Children’s Museum. So it’s a win-win,” said Hanley.
Longtime volunteer Stephanie Jones pointed out the auction was free to attend, as were the food and refreshments, allowing folks to spend their money on what matters.
“So, people really had the ability to put their actual investment into bidding, and then all the money could go to the Children’s Museum,” said Jones.
“They go directly to funding the museum’s day-to-day activities, special programs we put on. It’s what keeps our doors open,” said Hanley.
Since these items were created by everyday people, they brought out the creativity of some unlikely artists.
“This is more pushing people outside their comfort zone, and it allows people to really appreciate a different side of themselves,” pointed out Jones.
Also up for auction were experiences, like chef Jeremiah Wrest’s cooking class
“I’m going to offer a cooking class for four. So I’m going to teach four people how to cook a fine dining meal,” said Wrest.
This is the 21st year for the auction, an event that has become a very hot ticket on a cold winter night.
