Works by 40 invited artists from around the Flathead Valley, Montana and the U.S. are part of the Glacier Art Museum's Benefit Gala + Art Auction on May 8. 

The ticketed fundraiser sales event will take place at the Somers Mansion from 5–8 p.m.

For this premier event, distinguished artists have been selected and invited for their connection to Montana, quality of work, and exhibition history with the 56-year-old museum. Participating artists are known for their studio and plein air works highlighting the people, landscapes, communities, and history, of our region. Paintings, drawings and sculptures are featured in this year’s show with subject matter ranging from Glacier’s iconic views, indigenous culture and stories, wildlife, and the splendor of Montana.

Museum Executive Director Alyssa Cordova said the fundraiser will support the museum's educational programs. 

"We had a lot of fun planning this event, combing through museum archives of past events and exhibits for inspiration," she said. "Looking to both the past and present, we are really excited with the quality of work submitted by these incredible artists, many of whom the museum supported early in their careers."

This premier event will feature an artist champagne mixer, live art auction with auctioneer Bo Carpenter, a silent auction for smaller works, raise the paddle opportunity, live painting and sculpting demos with artists Francesca Droll, Tyrel Johnson, and Thomas Saubert, appetizers and buffet dinner by House of S & M, drinks sponsored by Whistling Andys Distillery, and live music by the string folk band Ed Boggs and Friends. 

Event premier Sponsor, FOR Fine Art Gallery of Whitefish and Bigfork will also host a pop-up exhibit of additional works with sales to benefit the museum. Somers Mansion is also a sponsor for this fundraising event.

Invited artists include: Rob Akey, True Archdale, By Bitney, Larry Blackwood, Sydney Boveng, Pamm Cuipa, Aspen Decker, Cameron Decker, Francesca Droll, Terrance Guardipee, Bonnie Zahn Griffith, Jessy Hanson, Kage Harp, Heidi Haugen, Tessa Heck, DG House, Kathleen Hudson, Tabby Ivy, Tyrel Johnson, Terran Last Gun, Karen Leigh, Z.S. Liang, Wanda Mumm, Nicholas O., Karl Oehrtman, Mark Ogle, Tarek Penser, Raina Pratt, Tom Saubert, Stephanie Seguin, Robert Spannring, Olivia Stark, Lindsay Jane Ternes, Melanie Thompson, Linda Tippetts, Echo Ukrainetz, Ron Ukrainetz, Michelle Usibelli, Rachel Warner, Sally Vannoy and Kenneth Yarus. Beginning April 15, the public can view an online preview catalog of works to be included in the Live and Silent Auction at glacierartmuseum.org/fundraiserevents

Tickets for the fundraising event at Somers Mansion Pavilion are $100 per person or $175 for a duo/couple and available in advance by e-ticket at reservation at glacierartmuseum.org/fundraiserevents, Eventbrite.com, or by calling 406-755-5268.