Asheville – Updated: June 11,2025:
Asheville Art Museum Announces 2025 Gala Weekend
Asheville—The Asheville Art Museum has announced its highly anticipated 2025 Gala Weekend, taking place Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. The museum’s annual Gala helps advance its mission to make art and education accessible to all.
Gala Kickoff Party: The Blank Canvas
The weekend begins Friday evening with The Blank Canvas, a lively celebration featuring signature cocktails, artfully inspired light bites, and music by local DJs Phantom Pantone and AVL.XLR. Guests are invited to dress in soft, floral tones that reflect the spring theme.
Gala Live Auction & Dinner: Masterpiece in Bloom
Saturday’s Masterpiece in Bloom includes a VIP cocktail hour, a seated dinner by Celine & Company, live painting by artist RaAmen Stallings, a performance by Stewart/Owen Dance, and a live auction featuring original artworks and one-of-a-kind experiences. The live auction also includes a special “Fund the Need,” where guests can contribute directly to support the museum’s educational and community-based initiatives.
The Asheville Art Museum has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing a platform for artists and engaging the community through various programs and exhibitions. Proceeds from Gala Weekend will help raise essential support for exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach.
More details at ashevilleart.org/gala2025.
The Asheville Art Museum announced its highly anticipated 2025 Gala, set to take place over the weekend of May 16-17, 2025. This event promises to be a celebration of art and community, featuring two main events: The Blank Canvas kickoff party and the Masterpiece in Bloom live auction and dinner.
Gala Kickoff Party: The Blank Canvas
The festivities will commence on Friday, May 16, with The Blank Canvas, an elegant soirée designed to celebrate creativity. Attendees were encouraged to dress in soft white attire, symbolizing the theme of a blank canvas. The evening featured live painting, where artists created works that would later be auctioned off during the Gala. Guests also enjoyed an exclusive preview of auction items, interactive bites served on palettes, signature cocktails, and live entertainment.
“Events like The Blank Canvas allow us to showcase the vibrant creativity of our community,” said Sarah Thompson, the museum’s director. “It’s a wonderful way to kick off the weekend and set the tone for what’s to come.”
Gala Live Auction & Dinner: Masterpiece in Bloom
The following evening, Saturday, May 17, the Gala Live Auction & Dinner took place under the theme Masterpiece in Bloom. This event featured a breathtaking Pantone color palette that brought the evening to life. Guests participated in a live auction, bidding on unique works of art and exclusive experiences. The dinner was catered by Celine and Company Catering, known for their exquisite culinary offerings.
“Masterpiece in Bloom is not just about enjoying art; it’s about supporting the museum’s mission,” noted John Miller, a local artist and gala sponsor. “Every bid helps us fund critical programs and initiatives that benefit our community.”
In addition to the auction and dinner, attendees had access to a full bar featuring signature cocktails and enjoyed live music and performance art throughout the evening. The event also included a “Fund the Need” segment aimed at raising essential funds for the museum.
“Supporting the arts is vital for our community,” said Emily Chen, a gala attendee and local philanthropist. “I believe events like this not only bring people together but also help sustain our cultural landscape.”
The Asheville Art Museum invited local businesses and individuals to become sponsors for both events. Sponsorship levels ranged from $500 to $10,000, offering various benefits such as tickets to events, logo placements, and social media recognition.
“Becoming a sponsor is a fantastic way to show your support for the arts while gaining visibility in our community,” stated Mark Johnson, the museum’s development officer. “We are grateful for every contribution that helps make this gala a success.”
The museum also welcomed donations for the auction, encouraging community members to contribute items or services that could enhance the event’s offerings.
“Every donation counts,” emphasized Sarah Thompson. “It adds excitement to our auction and directly supports our fundraising efforts.”
The Asheville Art Museum has been a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing a platform for artists and engaging the community through various programs and exhibitions. The 2025 Gala aims to further this mission by bringing together art lovers and supporters for a weekend of creativity and philanthropy.