The Annual ICA San José Benefit Art Auction

The Annual ICA San José Benefit Art Auction

San José, CA − November 5th − Now in its 42nd year, the highly anticipated 2022 Annual Benefit Art Auction at the Institute of Contemporary Art San José offers unique opportunities for art enthusiasts and collectors to view and acquire contemporary artwork by rising stars and celebrated artists whose work reflects vibrant, eclectic styles and interests. The live auction is often described as the most highly anticipated event on the Silicon Valley event calendar, returning now after a year’s hiatus.

Partnered this year with Oakland-based Clars Auction and Gallery, live auction guests actively bid on a wide range of work including paintings, photography, works on paper, sculpture, wearables, and various mixed-media pieces by nearly 70 artists. All proceeds fund the ICA’s innovative exhibitions and educational programming, making sure that admission is always free for all, and expanding the ICA’s reach and impact.

According to the ICA San José’s executive director James G Leventhal, “Participation in the ICA San José Benefit Art Auction brings more art into your life, and the lives of others.” Leventhal also mentions the importance of “foregrounding the voices of the artists,” noting the title of this year’s auction, “In Their Own Words…,” adding, “As we start to share works, through email and on our social media channels, we will also be sharing the artists' statements of purpose.”

“We are here to support art and artists, as integral to our overall cultural health,” says Leventhal. “Please know that most purchases directly benefit the artists, with several participating artists choosing the 50% of proceeds to artists option,” he notes.Focusing on the overall mission of the ICA San José, Leventhal says that, “Through supporting the ICA, together we create a welcoming, shared space for San Joseans, tourists and the entire Bay Area to present art of our times. The ICA’s programs and exhibitions that explore the positive potential of artistic practice to draw attention to issues that impact our communities, affect change, and focus on communal betterment.”

The auction will include exceptional donated works from highly acclaimed artists, including Kathy Aoki, Ray Beldner, Sarah Blaustein, Natalya Burd, Andrew Catanese, Kathryn Dunlevie, Ewa Gavrielov, Diane Andrews Hall, Pancho Jimenez, Kara Maria, Stephanie Metz, Christopher Martin, Humberto Ramirez, Byron Ryono, Beth Davila Waldman, and more. This year’s Benefit Art Auction Committee members are Nicki Moffat and Dana Kleiman, co-chairs; and Kathryn Dunlevie, Sara Rosenberg, and Liz Waldo.

A Director’s Brunch for the Art Auction Exhibition will be held on Friday, November 4 from 11am-2pm. Select guests can meet and mingle with the auction artists while previewing the auction items.

The Live Auction, one of the Bay Area's most anticipated cultural events of the year, will be held on Saturday, November 5th. Doors open at 4pm and the auction begins promptly at 5pm. Complimentary champagne, wine, cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. Admission to the Live Auction – always a sellout event -- is reserved for ticket holders.

VIP Tickets w/ afterparty access $150, without afterparty access $125. ICA members at the Collectors level and above receive complimentary tickets to the Live Auction event.

The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is an energetic art space located in downtown San Jose dedicated to making contemporary art accessible and exciting to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Exhibitions are presented in three galleries that display the most current, relevant and often challenging art from the region, the nation and the world.

Programs and exhibitions at the ICA are made possible with thanks to generous support from the City of San José’s Office of Cultural Affairs; along with significant support from Applied Materials, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts; along with additional support from SVCreates.