Photos: "Helluva Party" as Laguna Art Museum's Art Auction Raises Funds

DJ music pulsed through the air, live artists created paintings, delicious food and beverages were served, and an incredible art collection was on view Saturday evening as the Laguna Art Museum hosted its annual art auction. Funds raised during the event will be used for future exhibitions and education programs. 

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Over 100 premier California artists donated most or all of the proceeds from the sale of their artworks to the museum. By the end of the evening, $182,000 was expected to be raised, according to Marni Farmer, LAM's Director of Communications. That's huge considering that the museum was initially hoping to raise just $140,000.

"Everybody has been so welcoming here," said new museum Executive Director Malcolm Warner. "The board, the wonderful staff and friends and supporters of the museum. I feel very welcome and feel already very much at home."

"I hope I'll get to meet every one of you eventually," continued Warner, "and hear what you think about the museum and maybe how it might be even better than it is."

"Needless to say, we need your help, and a lot of it," said Warner. "We're going to raise the level of ambiton in our exhibitions and in our education programs, the things that this event is to benefit tonight."

"The vast majority of the amount that each piece raises goes to the museum," said Warner. "I would like to say 'Thank You' to the artists. I'm proud that artists care enough about the Laguna Art Museum to do this for us. It is a museum that has always been close to the hearts of living artists and it's great that we continue that tradition."

Warner thanked LAM Director of Special Events Sarah Strozza, who worked with an "extraordinary committee" and volunteers to make the auction happen. 

Sponsors of the event included , Pelican Hill, Katsuya, , Roger's Gardens, Tres Sietes Tequila, , Tamarind of London, Simply Sweet Cakery, Blue Canvas, The Observatory, The Organic Cellar, Cookes Crating, Laguna Beach Magazine, Newport Beach Magazine and .