The Renaissance Society sponsors annual gala and benefit auction

The Renaissance Society will sponsor its annual gala and benefit auction from 6:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Zhou B. Art Center. The event, titled FRESH, will celebrate new work by some of today’s up-and-coming artists, and will feature a dinner and live and silent auctions.

The art auction will include more than 75 contemporary artworks by such artists as Tauba Auerbach, Karl Haendel, David Hamill, Sze Tsung Leong, Kacy Maddux, Yuri Masnyj, Johann Nobell, Clare Rojas, Sterling Ruby, Katrin Sigurdardottir, Josh Smith, Angela Strassheim, Tim Trantenroth and John Waters. Advanced bids can be made online through the Renaissance Society’s Web site, or at a special preview on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Zhou B. Center, 1029 W. 35th St.

Tickets to the gala are $300 per person and may be reserved by calling (773) 702-8670.

The Renaissance Society, founded in 1915, is widely acclaimed here and abroad as one of the premier museums for leading edge contemporary art in the United States. Through the commissioning and production of new works and a provocative mix of exhibitions, publications, lectures, readings, concerts, screenings and performances, it celebrates the art of the moment in all its complexity and diversity. All proceeds from the evening will support the Renaissance Society’s 2006-2007 exhibition, education and publishing programs.

For more information and a preview of items in the art auction, please visit http://www.renaissancesociety.org.