By Staff
ART AND ENTERTAINMENT – Pianist Deanie Carmichael, seated, will be one of three special entertainers at the upcoming "A Night in New Orleans" Meridian Museum of Art's 2002 art auction. Lisa Carruth, standing left, and Dana Sollie are two of the artists who will have work on display at the event. Photo by Penny Randall/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
Nov. 3, 2002
A dazzling array of regional artwork, a gala dinner and live music will take center stage at Union Station next week for the Meridian Museum of Art's annual art auction.
The theme for the Nov. 14 event is "A Night in New Orleans."
Artists from Mississippi and Alabama have donated their own works everything from paintings and pottery to jewelry and stained glass for this year's auction.
The evening will include door prizes, cocktails and special surprises. It also will include a touch of New Orleans: street performers, jazz music and a courtyard-style ambiance.
Organizers say it will be the closest thing to being in New Orleans without leaving the city of Meridian.
Highlights will include the piano stylings of Deanie Carmichael, tap dancing by Casey Everett and portrait sketching by Nicholas Westbrook.
Tickets for the event are $50 per person and seating will be limited.
Tickets can be purchased individually or for tables of eight.
First-time participant Dana Sollie said she is thrilled to have her work on display at the auction. Sollie, 26, is a photographer and graphic designer.
The auction will feature fourth-generation New Orleans auctioneer Adam Marcus the third time he has presided over the museum's event.
Marcus has served as an auctioneer at the Contemporary Arts Center; at benefit champagne auctions; and at school, university and public television auctions in New Orleans.
He serves on the board of the Contemporary Arts Center and is also on the Community Advisory Board for WWOZ-FM radio.
Meridian Museum of Art is funded by donations and fund-raisers like the auction. Organizers credited the auction's sponsors for making the event a success.
Sponsors for this year's event include Specialty Roll Products, Structural Steel Services, Outback Steakhouse, the city of Meridian and Community Bank.
A preview exhibit of the auction artwork will be on display at the museum from Tuesday through Nov. 13. Visitors will be able to preview the works and, if they choose, make advance bids.