AHA! 2021, The Bruce Adams Memorial Auction

As is the case for most organizations, Hallwalls has been forced to cancel or postpone all live events for the past year, so it is with great excitement that we announce a live preview for the Annual Hallwalls Auction (AHA!), which this year has been named the Bruce Adams Memorial Auction.

The auction, featuring work by artists connected with Hallwalls, is hosted on the auction site Clickbid for a period of four days, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday June 3, 2021 and running through 9 p.m. on Sunday June 6, 2021. To kick off the auction and bidding, Hallwalls is hosting its first in-person event in more than a year, with a preview party on opening night from 6 p.m.–8 p.m., June 3. Tickets start at just $20, with preview party tickets available for $80. Tickets can be purchased beginning today at hallwalls.org. The preview party takes place inside spacious Asbury Hall at Babeville, 341 Delaware Avenue. It features music by ABCDJ, open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and, most importantly, the first chance to view all available artwork. Tickets to the party are strictly limited and all COVID-19 precautions will be followed.

Ticket purchasers at any level are also invited to view the works in person during a separate viewing opportunity on Sunday June 6, from 1.pm.–4 p.m. This is planned as a simple walk-through only, also with COVID-19 precautions followed.

The auction boasts an incredible collection of artists from the organization's nearly 50 year history, including an original photograph by Hallwalls founder and blue chip artist Cindy Sherman. Other highlights of the auction include works by Bruce Adams, Laylah Ali, Deborah Aschheim, Vicki Bennett, Charles Clough, Dorothy Fitzgerald, Wayne Gonzales, Lee Goreas, Marla Hlady, Richard Huntington, Vandana Jain, David Kramer, Heidi Kumao, Jillian McDonald, Kiki Smith, Chrysanne Stathacos, Betty Tompkins, virocode, and Patrick Willett.

Among many hardships suffered by the arts community was the loss of one of its most important supporters: artist, teacher, and former Hallwalls Board President, Bruce Adams, who passed away last month after an unexpected and tragic battle with cancer. Following Adam’s death, Hallwalls hosted a tribute space for family, friends, and former students to gather and honor his legacy. In an effort to continue to celebrate his life for the remainder of the year and beyond, the decision was made to dedicate Hallwalls most important event, the Annual Hallwalls Auction (AHA!), to Bruce.

Sponsors of the auction include Buffalo Spree Magazine, Dent Neurological Cannabis Clinic, Paradise Wine, and Twin Village Recycling.

All proceeds from the auction will go to support Hallwalls mission, vision, and programming. More information available at hallwalls.org or by contacting emily@hallwalls.org.