Art you ready to Mingle? In addition to fabulous food, live music, and an ARTFul Memories exhibit, Art Mingle: Wonder & Whimsy features tempting live and silent auction items, as well as a raffle prize. The event committee began preparations last fall and look forward to a fun and successful evening next Friday, April 28, to benefit Meadowlark Memory Program.

Meadowlark Foundation is grateful that so many talented artists, local businesses, and other friends of Meadowlark didn’t hesitate to contribute bid-boosting items. Their “yes’s” produced a 10-item live auction slate and about 30 silent auction entries. Mike Temaat of Temaat Auctions will urge higher bids as the event’s auctioneer.

In addition to paintings by our featured artists Kristin Goering and Nancy Teague – photos of their live auction submissions appeared in last week’s Messenger – the 2023 Mingle also will offer creative works by nationally known artists, jewelry, hand-crafted items, consumables, experiences, and more!

Some of the auction items were chosen to reflect one or both of the theme words. For example, a live auction package named Purple Palooza was designed with wonder, mystery, and surprise in mind. A ceramic sculpture of a cat driving a convertible will provide a touch of whimsy to the silent auction.

Meadowlark’s own Oscar Larmer, a guest artist at the inaugural Art Mingle in 2018, graciously donated an original watercolor which conjures thoughts of a playful pastime. Eighteen-hole enthusiasts may not see the connection between this year’s theme and Larmer’s depiction of a golf green, but duffers with whimsical swings and frequent thoughts of “I wonder where my ball landed” will get the picture.

Bidding is expected to be fast-paced for two experiences on the live auction block: a Northwest Arkansas getaway and, back by popular demand, a Kansas City Chiefs weekend package. Meadowlark residents Art Chaput and Beth Pannbacker are donating a three-night stay at their Rogers, Ark., home, and will treat the high bidders to dinner at the nearby Shadow Valley Country Club. The package also includes gift certificates to local restaurants, a shopping spree or round of golf, and assistance from a docent when visiting the nearby Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Two field-level seats to watch the recent Super Bowl champs at Arrowhead Stadium are included in the Chiefs weekend package, along with hotel accommodations for two nights, game day transportation, and an invitation to a private tailgate party. Friends of the late Olivia Collins, a former Mingle committee member, are donating the 3rd row tickets and are pleased to welcome the high bidders to their FAN-tastic tailgate party prior to the game. High bidders will choose their preferred game from among four to five opponents once the 2023 schedule is announced.

Retail values of the auction items are expected to range from about $75 to $3200. Purchase raffle tickets for $10 each for a chance to win a Kate Spade handbag with surprises inside.

Event-goers also will have the opportunity to raise their bid numbers to support the memory program, which offers free education, support, and enrichment opportunities for persons who are experiencing cognitive changes and their care partners.

To purchase event tickets, visit the Art Mingle page at www.meadowlark.org. Event tickets are $75 each, and also may be purchased by calling the Hospitality Desk at (785) 323-3847. Residents and Passport members may add tickets to their monthly statements.