MMA presents its 2003 art auction

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Nov. 23, 2003
Art lovers will roll the dice and hope they become winners in the Meridian Museum of Art's 2003 Art Auction. The museum will pull out all the stops as it presents "A Night in Las Vegas" on Dec. 12.
This year's event will offer original work by some of the finest Mississippi and Alabama artists. People will be able to buy oils, watercolors, acrylics, pottery, sculptures, photographs, mixed media, jewelry and stained glass.
Besides that, the evening also will include the sights, sounds and tastes of Las Vegas, including a prime rib dinner, live music, door prizes, cocktails, games and special surprises.
Entertainers scheduled
Some of the entertainers scheduled to appear include Dr. Jim Matthews Jr., Dr. Paul Varela, Zena Limerick, Sidney Covington, Wayne McInnis and the Queen City Gypsies.
Tickets for the event are $60 per person, and seating is limited.
The auction will be in the Green Room at Meridian Little Theatre.
Auction night will begin with cocktails and a preview at 6 p.m. followed by a dinner catered by Outback Steakhouse at 7 p.m. The auction itself will begin at 8 p.m.
Auction lineup
The auction will feature more than 60 works.
The auctioneer will be Neal Alford of New Orleans, senior vice president and co-founder of Neal Auction Co. Alford has more than 25 years of experience as a fine arts and antique auctioneer and appraiser.
Sponsors for this year's auction include Outback Steakhouse, Structural Steel Services, Community Bank and Meridian Little Theatre. The event is also supported by the Mississippi Arts Commission, the Riley Foundation and the city of Meridian.
Sneak preview
A special preview exhibit of the auction artwork will be on display at the museum Nov. 25-Dec. 6. Visitors will be able to preview the works and, if they choose, make advance bids.
Heder adds that the Christmas season is a great fit for the auction.