Image: Museum of Wisconsin Art, West Bend
The Museum of Wisconsin Art is preparing 'MOWA Contemporary 2026', a biennial fundraising event built around a three-week exhibition, an online silent auction, and an in-person live auction at its annual fundraiser dinner. According to the museum’s event page, the auction artworks will be on view from July 19 through August 30 at MOWA | DTN inside Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee, while bidding for the silent auction runs online during the same period.
The museum describes the project as a curated selection of more than 30 works of art and art experiences donated by a group of artists working in Wisconsin. Featured artists listed on the site include Eric Baillies, Michelle Grabner, Isaac Harris, Tony Macias, Chad Matha, Taj Matumbi, Sarah McRae, Dean Meeker, Lon Michels, Paul Noth, Kelly Jean Ohl, Heidi Parkes, Ed Paschke, Guzzo Pinc, Lauren Semivan, Francesco Spicuzza and Tom Uttech, with the list marked “as of April 6.” Lots range in price from $500 to more than $20,000 and include painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, works on paper and design.
MOWA says proceeds from 'MOWA Contemporary 2026' will support the museum’s exhibitions and programs, including its work highlighting artists from Wisconsin and serving communities across the region. The site also states that the museum shares fifty percent of each auction artwork sale with the contributing artist, with the remaining fifty percent benefiting MOWA and its commitment to arts and culture in the state.
The live component of the fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at 6:00 p.m., when cocktails and dinner will accompany a live auction of art and art experiences, plus a “Raise the Paddle” appeal for arts education. The dinner and live auction are set for Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel, 139 East Kilbourn Avenue, Milwaukee.
MOWA’s fundraising page presents the event as part of its broader mission to support Wisconsin artists through exhibitions, programs and classes. The museum says the event is designed to raise important support for its partnership with Wisconsin’s artist community, and it provides ticketing and sponsorship options for attendees and supporters.
Individual reservations for the August 22 dinner are listed at $300, with tables seating eight guests. The museum also lists sponsorship levels at $3,500 for a Contributing sponsor, $5,000 for an Event sponsor and $10,000 for a Lead sponsor, and says interested supporters can contact Director of Development Brianna Fischer for information.
