News Summary
The Memphis Botanic Garden recently held the Incognito Art Auction, featuring over 100 unsigned artworks from 98 Mid-South artists. This unique event raised significant funds for the Garden’s art and education programs. Highlights included works by artists such as Jerry Lawler and Peter Melonas. The auction brought together the community for a creative experience while supporting local art initiatives. Other recent events in Memphis include the Les Passees Cabaret Ball and the coronation of the Grand Krewe of Ptah.
Memphis – The Memphis Botanic Garden in East Memphis successfully hosted the Incognito Art Auction on January 26, 2023, featuring over 100 original, unsigned artworks by talented Mid-South artists. The auction is a unique fundraising event that allows participants to purchase art without knowing the identity of the creators until after the sale is completed.
This year, the auction included contributions from a total of 98 artists, showcasing a wide variety of styles and mediums. The event aimed to raise between $8,000 to $10,000, with proceeds dedicated to supporting the Garden’s art and education programs.
Art Education Coordinator Carlee Zamora emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that funds raised from such events play a crucial role in enhancing outreach programs within the community. The theme for this year’s auction was “A Sense of Place,” with many artworks inspired by the natural landscapes of the Mid-South.
Among the featured artists was renowned wrestler Jerry “The King” Lawler, whose painting titled “Driving Batman” caught considerable attention. This piece depicted Batman in a humorous cartoon balloon, expressing a sentiment relating to his trusty sidekick, Robin. Lawler’s work was highly sought after, with Chris Houston emerging as the highest bidder to take home the iconic artwork.
Another highlight of the auction was a striking painting of Superman by artist Peter Melonas, adding to the diverse collection on display. During the event, live music was provided by musician Ian Shapiro on bass and pianist Jack Franklin, enhancing the atmosphere as attendees browsed the pieces.
In addition to the Incognito Art Auction, the Memphis Botanic Garden was bustling with activity on January 21, 2023, during the Les Passees Cabaret Ball, which featured the theme “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” The event enjoyed a cocktail hour, a formal dinner, and a silent auction, rounded out by live music from the Will Tucker Band.
On the same day, the Grand Krewe of Ptah held its coronation at The Great Hall in Germantown, celebrating the crowning of Ken Zimmerman as king and Karen Davis as queen. This year’s themed event was “The Queen of Diamonds & Soul,” and featured performances by the local band The Dantones.
Looking ahead, the Stax Music Academy is set to benefit from an upcoming event called Staxtacular, scheduled for February 11, 2023. A sponsors party for the event was hosted by Rev. Audrey Gonzalez and included special guest Memphis Grizzlies player Vince Carter. The party showcased performances from students at the Stax Music Academy and offered attendees indulgent chocolates from Phillip Ashley.
The Staxtacular event is expected to include food stations, live music from the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band, and opportunities for participants to interact with Memphis Grizzlies players, promising a day of entertainment and community spirit.
In other local news, Newby’s bar and restaurant on Highland Row recently reopened following renovations that included menu expansions and interior updates, although it has eliminated pool tables from its offerings. The reopening featured a friends-and-family celebration, with live performances by the band The Blue Chips.
The various events and activities in and around Memphis highlight a vibrant community engaged in arts, culture, and fundraising, contributing to enriching local programs and fostering creativity.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: Incognito Art Auction
- Commercial Appeal: Artists Go Incognito
- Choose901: Opportunities in Memphis
- Commercial Appeal: Party Line Staxtacular
- Memphis Magazine: Weekly Guide to the Arts
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis Art Events
- Google Scholar: Memphis Art Auction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis, Tennessee
- Google News: Memphis Incognito Art Auction
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
