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UP Children's Museum Announces 22nd Annual Celebrity Art Auction - A Fund-Raising Showcase of Local Talent

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  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 17:04 GMT by Upper

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UP Children’s Museum Announces 22nd Annual Celebrity Art Auction – A Fund‑Raising Showcase of Local Talent

The Upper Peninsula’s beloved UP Children’s Museum is gearing up for a night of art, community, and generosity with its 22nd annual Celebrity Art Auction, slated for Saturday, December 1, 2025. The museum, which has been a cornerstone of Marquette’s cultural life since 1979, uses the event as a high‑profile fundraiser that fuels educational programming, museum maintenance, and outreach initiatives aimed at keeping children engaged in the arts.

A Tradition of Philanthropy and Celebration

Since its first auction in 2004, the UP Children’s Museum has leveraged the drawing power of local celebrity and creative talent to create a festive evening that attracts both families and art enthusiasts. The auction’s proceeds go directly toward expanding the museum’s interactive exhibits and supporting the museum’s scholarship program for under‑served families in the region. The museum’s Board of Directors announced that last year’s event raised $85,000, a record for the institution, and highlighted the community’s sustained enthusiasm for the arts.

Event Highlights and Logistics

• Date & Time: Saturday, December 1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Location: UP Children’s Museum, 112 Bureau Street, Marquette.
• Tickets: General admission tickets are priced at $15, with an additional $5 option for a “VIP” package that includes a signed copy of the auction catalog, a reserved seat in the main gallery, and a complimentary drink.
• Online Bidding: For those who cannot attend in person, the museum offers an online bidding platform (link on the museum’s website) that accepts credit‑card payments and includes a live preview of each piece before the auction begins.

The museum’s website also hosts a full list of the auction catalog, featuring over 200 unique items ranging from original paintings and sketches to sculptural works and limited‑edition prints. Notable contributors include:

• Local Painters & Illustrators: A series of landscape canvases by acclaimed Marquette artist Sarah Lee and a set of whimsical illustrations by Kevin Park, a graphic designer who has worked with national publishers.
• Celebrity Collaborations: A one‑off portrait of the museum’s founder, Dr. Emily Hartman, painted by former Marquette‑area TV host Mike Rios.
• Music & Performance Art: A framed album cover created by local musician Beverly Jones (formerly of the Marquette Band), and a short film featuring short‑form storytelling by filmmaker Liam O’Connor.
• Children’s Works: Selected pieces contributed by students from the museum’s own “Little Artists” program, providing a platform for emerging local talent.

Behind the Scenes: The Curators’ Vision

The museum’s director, Dr. Rachel Thompson, spoke at a recent press briefing about the auction’s purpose and the community’s vital role in sustaining the museum’s mission. “Our mission is to spark imagination in every child who walks through our doors,” she said. “The Celebrity Art Auction is a celebration of that vision and a testament to the creative spirit that thrives right here in the Upper Peninsula.”

In addition to the auction, the event will feature a live “art showcase” where select pieces will be displayed on a rotating schedule throughout the evening. An entertainment lineup will include a short dance performance by the Marquette High School dance troupe and an acoustic set by local folk singer Tommy Hayes. The museum’s community outreach director, Angela Kim, highlighted that the event is designed to be family‑friendly, with a dedicated children’s activity zone offering coloring sheets, a small gallery walk, and “Meet the Artist” sessions where kids can ask questions about the art they’re seeing.

How the Community Can Get Involved

The museum encourages community members to contribute in various ways:

• Donate Art: Local artists who wish to donate a piece can apply online via the museum’s donation portal. All donations are tax‑deductible and come with a certificate of acknowledgment.
• Volunteer: Volunteers can help with event set‑up, ticketing, and as auction “ushers.”
• Sponsor: Businesses looking to support the museum’s programs can become official sponsors, with tiered benefits ranging from logo placement on promotional materials to a speaking slot during the event.
• Spread the Word: The museum’s social‑media team is actively promoting the auction on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using the hashtag #UPCA2025.

The Impact of the Auction

The museum’s 2024‑25 annual report, released just last week, showed a 12% increase in annual operating revenue, a jump attributed largely to the success of the Celebrity Art Auction. The report notes that the museum’s educational programs now reach over 18,000 children each year, thanks in part to the capital raised during the auction.

Beyond the numbers, the event serves as a communal gathering that reinforces Marquette’s cultural identity. By bringing together artists, local celebrities, and families, the museum fosters a sense of shared ownership and pride in the community’s creative landscape.

Final Thoughts

The 22nd Celebrity Art Auction at the UP Children’s Museum promises an evening of creativity, camaraderie, and charitable giving. It is an event that not only showcases the region’s artistic talent but also secures essential funding for a cornerstone of Marquette’s cultural life. For anyone looking to support the next generation of explorers, innovators, and storytellers, the auction presents a compelling opportunity to give back while enjoying a night of local art and entertainment.

If you would like to learn more about the auction, see the full catalog, or purchase tickets, visit the UP Children’s Museum’s website or call the museum’s front desk at (715) 555‑0198.