2026 Gala Sponsorship Opportunities

PART 1: LIVE AUCTION

L001
Paula Busch
From her Bliss Series
Valued at $500
Opening Bid: $50
2025
Ink, collage, and encaustic on panel, 17" x 17"

Paula Busch grew up in the Bay Area but now lives and works in Chico. She earned her BA in art from U.C. Berkeley, where she was introduced to the practice of printmaking. She then went on to earn an MA from the thriving print department at CSU Chico. She worked as an adjunct professor for 30 years at Butte College and is now happily retired and working in her studio full-time.

This piece is part of her “Bliss Series,” which is (from her Artist Statement) “an antidote to the current political environment that we find ourselves. My response to this is to make approachable, whimsical work full of joy and with explosions of bold color. Drawing from natural forms, my work weaves line, color, and plant-like structures into a fluid composition. Bliss encourages viewers to move slowly, discovering relationships and details unfolding in front of them.”

L002
Cynthia Schildhauer
Table Mountain Bloom
Valued at $1,500
Opening Bid: $150
October 2025
Encaustic Mixed Media on Canvas, 30" x 30"

Cynthia Scontriano Schildhauer is an artist and educator living in Northern California. She creates very textured narrative and landscape encaustic mixed media paintings and sculpture. Cynthia teaches art at Butte and Yuba colleges, and her work has been featured in galleries and collections throughout the U.S. and northern Europe.

L003
Ramekon O'Arwisters
"Crochet Jam"
Valued at $1,000
Opening Bid: $350
Crochet Experience

This is a unique opportunity to bring Ramekon O’Arwisters’ award-winning event to your home or office for a private 2-hour Crochet Jam! No previous experience necessary.

Crochet Jam uses the folk-art tradition of crocheting strips of fabric into free-form, organic soft sculptures to foster social interaction, creativity, and liberation. There aren’t any rules or patterns. It is an opportunity for play, experimentation, and allowing the material to transform naturally without expectations or attempts to control the outcome.

Details:
Crochet Jam at your home with Ramekon O’Arwisters
Able to accommodate up to 30 people
Date and time to be agreed upon by the winning bidder and artist
All material will be provided
Must be redeemed by the end of March 2026

L004
Norma Lyon
"Anubis"
Valued at $750
Opening Bid: $75
2026
Mixed media, Dimensions Variable

Norma Lyon is a Northern California artist recognized for her whimsical, sculptural, and mixed-media works, often utilizing repurposed materials. She has exhibited at prominent local venues, including the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) in Chico, which hosted her exhibition "My Cabinet of Curiosities" in 2024. An educator with an MFA in Spatial Arts, she is known for a playful and curious artistic style. She should not be confused with the late, famous butter sculptor Norma "Duffy" Lyon.

About the piece:
Anubis is the ancient Egyptian jackal-headed god of mummification, guardian of tombs, and guide of souls to the afterlife. Known originally as Anpu or Inpu, he was pivotal in weighing hearts against the feather of truth (Ma'at) to determine worthiness for the afterlife. He is not an evil deity, but a protector of the dead and a symbol of resurrection.

From Norma: “The reason I specifically am interested in Anubis is because my mother was born and raised in Cairo, so Egypt is big in my heart. And PS, this is my actual old mailbox from where I live in Chico. Anubis is apparently living here now too, because there are two packages from Egypt inside addressed to him.”

L005
Ron Schwager
"They're Coming"
Valued at $250
Opening Bid: $25
2017
Photograph
22" x 26"

RON SCHWAGER, a visionary photographic artist, has left an indelible mark on the world of photography with his masterful creations. For over 35 years, he has transformed moments into timeless art pieces, demonstrating a unique blend of creative flair and technical expertise. With a portfolio that seamlessly merges commercial photography and fine art, Schwager's work has earned him prestigious accolades.

L006
Kimono
Valued at $750 (estimated)
Opening Bid: $75

100% silk kimono, made in Japan and donated to the museum.

The kimono—literally “a thing to wear”—is one of Japan’s most enduring cultural garments, shaped by centuries of tradition, artistry, and symbolism. Typically made from fine materials like silk, each kimono is carefully constructed and often hand-dyed or hand-painted, with patterns that can reflect the seasons, nature, or significant life moments. Historically worn in daily life, today kimonos are reserved for special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and ceremonies, where every detail—from the fabric to the way it’s wrapped—carries meaning. More than clothing, a kimono is a wearable work of art, connecting the past to the present through craftsmanship, beauty, and cultural expression.

Though we don’t know much about this particular kimono, it is a beautiful piece of art you could wear home!

 

PART 2: SILENT AUCTION

S001
Paula Busch
Fox Series - Donated by Todd Hall
n.d. | $1200 | Oil on Canvas | 57" x 46"

Paula Busch grew up in the Bay Area and now works in Chico. She earned a BA in Art from UC Berkeley and an MA in Printmaking from CSU Chico. Paula taught at Butte College for 30 years and now works full-time in her studio. Her work has received the George Sugarman Foundation grant, the City of Chico Mayor’s Award for Achievements in the Arts, and has been included in the Crocker Kingsley Exhibition. Collections include The Encaustic Institute of America, Janet Turner Print Museum, monca, Renown Health, Kaiser Permanente, Ruth’s Chris, Odyssey Winery, and private collections worldwide.

This piece was created during Paula’s “fox” phase, reflecting her fascination with foxes in early work.

S002
Sal Casa
Acrylic on Paper | $500 | 36" x 28"

Retired professor Salvatore “Sal” Casa taught art for over 20 years at Chico State. Born in 1927 in New York, Casa drew early inspiration from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, creating hundreds of paintings and sketches over his lifetime. He was known for transmitting a deep connection to the arts to his students. Casa passed away in 2019.

S003
Marion Epting
Untitled | $750 | Etching | 26" x 34"

Art professor emeritus Marion Epting, a nationally recognized artist, joined Chico State in 1969 and was the first Black tenure-track faculty member. He was instrumental in supporting underrepresented students and faculty, establishing the BFA program, and shaping faculty policies. His prints, including Ying Yang and Butterfly 6, are in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and his work is featured at the Janet Turner Print Museum. Epting passed away in 2025.

S004
Carlo Abruzzese
Untitled | $300 | 2026 | Mixed Media | 14" x 14"

Carlo Abruzzese combines fine art with quantitative data to explore diversity, culture, and human experience. Using materials like colored pencils, acrylic, and drafting film, he creates visually rich “data maps.” Born in Newark, NJ, Abruzzese studied at UC Berkeley (BA) and Harvard (Master's in Architecture). He has exhibited extensively and participated in residencies at the de Young Museum, Santa Fe Art Institute, Vermont Studio Center, and Google Headquarters. He lives and works in San Francisco’s Mission District.

S005
Margarita Perez
Untitled | $200 | n.d. | Acrylic on Paper | 32" x 24"

Margarita Perez was a student of Sal Casa. Her work reflects the influence of Casa’s teaching and techniques.

S006
Jackie Greene
Donated by Jodie Iles
Chico Rain | $150 | 2011 | Acrylic on Paper | 13" x 15.5"

Singer-songwriter Jackie Greene brings the same creativity to visual art as he does to music. His paintings combine emotional honesty, humor, and passion, offering insight into a versatile and continually evolving artist.

S007
Ann Pierce
Donated by Mark Pierce and Carol Robinson
California Spring | $500 | Lithograph | 28" x 22"

Ann Pierce (1931–2023) was a master watercolorist and longtime Chico State faculty member. Trained at Boulder and Yale Summer Art School, she developed Chico State’s watermedia program, teaching for over 30 years. Her work evolved from abstract to spontaneous compositions and received national recognition, including numerous awards and exhibitions. Pierce emphasized intuitive painting, finding intrigue in the ordinary, and inspiring countless students and community members.

S008
Matt Bates
Bidwell Burning 1 | $500 | Photograph | 23.5" x 19"

This photograph was part of the Homage to Bidwell Mansion exhibit at monca in 2025. Bates captures Northern California landscapes and architecture through compelling visual storytelling.

S009
Claudia Steel
Donated by Steel Family Properties
Clothespin | $400 | 1979 | Etching | 24.5" x 31.5"

Claudia Steel (1930–2020) devoted her life to art and community. A printmaker and painter, she taught at Chico State (1965–68), co-founded the Creative Art Center, and helped establish the Janet Turner Print Museum. Steel’s work is included in monca’s permanent collection and has received numerous lifetime achievement awards.

S010
Anonymous / Annie’s Star Quilt Guild
Untitled Quilt | $100 | 2025 | Fabric / Quilting | 86" x 86"

A collaborative quilt created by the members of Annie’s Star Quilt Guild, showcasing detailed craftsmanship and the community spirit of Chico artists.

S011
Jeff Lindsay
Untitled | $300 | 2025 | Blown Glass | 12" x 5" x 5"

Chico-based artist and owner of Red Hot Metal, Jeff Lindsay, specializes in handcrafted tools for glass artists and custom architectural metalwork. He is also a member of the monca Board of Directors.

S012
Richard K. Baron
Donated by Linda Converse
Untitled | $300 | 2019 | Encaustic | 23.5" x 15.5"

Beloved Chico artist known for his vibrant work.

S013
Delores Mitchell
Acquired at Estate Sale by Pat Macias
Untitled | $145 | Encaustic | 18.5" x 16"

Delores Mitchell earned a B.A. in Studio Art and a PhD in Art History from UCLA, then taught at CSU Chico for 30 years. She co-founded Avenue 9 Gallery in Chico and now paints full-time, focusing on Northern California landscapes, including Chico, San Francisco, and agricultural scenes.

S014
Unknown Artist
Untitled | $150 |1990 | Acrylic on Canvas | 49" x 49"

Little is known about this piece, but it is visually striking and engaging. Sweet Dreams, indeed.

S015
Ama Posey
Bringing Back Love | $3,500 | 2025 | Oil & Acrylic on Canvas | 60" x 48"

Ama Posey is an abstract painter, illustrator, and founder of Ama Posey Studios, an art school for all ages in Chico. She holds a BFA in Painting & Drawing and a BA in Art Education from CSU Chico. Her work is inspired by family, community, and the blending of abstraction with emotional narrative.

S016
Judy Kane
The Lift of the Infinite | $600 | 2026 | Acrylic | 48" x 48"

Kane focuses on simple, overlooked everyday scenes—bouquets, children’s toys, sunsets—and celebrates their beauty through painting. Inspired by Norman Rockwell, she combines traditional techniques with whimsy, energy, and color to elevate the ordinary into art.

S017
Ken Morrow
Donated by Suzanne Steel
12/2/58 | n.d. | Lithograph | 28" x 35.5"

Kenneth “Ken” Morrow (1927–1985) was a versatile artist and long-time Chico State art professor. He worked in sculpture, painting, and printmaking, including pieces that inspired the Chico State flame logo.

S018
Eleanor Rappe
Donated by Suzanne Steel
Egyptian Fragment | $300 | Etching | 11" x 15"

Eleanor Rappe Raugust (1933–2021) was a printmaker and photographer. She studied at Brooklyn College and San Francisco State University, explored diverse printmaking techniques, and founded the Fort Mason Printmakers program. Her work is in collections including the Janet Turner Print Museum, Smith College Museum of Art, Portland Art Museum, and Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.

S019
Ciara Barsotti
Hullabaloo | $150 | 2024 | Mixed Media | 12" x 12"

Barsotti creates art to inspire hope and wonder, producing paintings, fiber art, and mail art. She hosts the Chico Creates podcast and lives in Chico, CA, with her family and two cats. Her vibrant work encourages curiosity, connection, and joy in everyday life.

 

S020
Kelsey Simmen
Molecule Necklace | $535 | 2019 | Silver, Plexiglass, Steel | 3.5" x 1.5" x 2.5"

Kelsey Simmen is a Northern California jewelry artist who handcrafts each piece. A 2009 BFA graduate from San Francisco, she studied under notable women jewelers before launching her own studio. This necklace, inspired by sugar molecules, was part of her debut collection at SFMOMA and is the last remaining piece from that series. Her work combines bright plexiglass colors with themes of texture, ritual, and everyday beauty.

S021
Marisa Segovia – Lot of 4 Pieces

• No One | $75 | 2025 | Relief-print | 14" x 11"
• No. 38 | $25 | 2022 | Cyanotype | 8" x 10"
• Introspection | $50 | 2021 | Screenprint | 14" x 11"
• 1988 | $50 | 2025 | Solar Fast | 14" x 11"

Marisa Nicholle Segovia (Mexican, German, Portuguese) is a Chico-based printmaker. She earned dual BAs in Printmaking and Art Education from CSU Chico. Her work transforms everyday objects and personal history into poignant art, blending traditional printmaking with contemporary techniques to create pieces that are personal, relatable, and visually engaging.

S022
Janet Lombardi Blixt
The Raw Bar | $350 |Print on Canvas | 16.75" x 26"

Janet began studying art at age seven in Los Angeles and earned a fine arts degree from CSU Chico, studying under Janet Turner, Marion Epting, and Paul Feldhaus. She runs Chico Art School, teaches plein air painting, and creates impressionist street and park scenes in Chico.

S023
Ashley Oldenburg
Poppies & Bumblebee | $250 | 2026 | Mixed Media (Animal Skull, Acrylic, Watercolor, Sharpie) | Dimensions Variable

Ashley Oldenburg is a ranch-based artist and art therapist in Durham, California, working with diverse media to explore the intersections of nature, life, and creative expression. The ram in this piece died of natural causes.

S024
Janet Lombardi Blixt
Pottery Jug and Fruit | $800 | 2024 | Oil on Canvas | 11" x 13"

Janet’s work emphasizes plein air painting and impressionist style. She continues teaching at Chico Art School and draws inspiration from local landscapes and urban scenes.

S025
Tim B. Moore
Note to Self | $300 | 2026 | Mixed Media | 24" x 36"

Tim Moore’s work bridges emotion and language, inspired by hieroglyphics, Norse writing, and asemic writing—a form of abstract symbols resembling text. His art reflects his experiences with dyslexia and ADHD, serving as both creative expression and a subconscious diary.

S026
Christopher Foster
Donated by Brandi Aranguren
Untitled | $1,500 | n.d. | Photograph

A striking photographic piece from an artist with limited public information, noted for its visual impact and composition.

S027
Bill Flake
Untitled | $250 | n.d. | High-Fired Stoneware Vase | 9.5" x 9.5" x 10"

Chico-based ceramicist Bill Flake is known for pottery and succulent arrangements. He is active with the Chico Art Center and participates in local open studio tours, creating work that connects with nature and the local community.

S028
Ron Schwager
Abstract Collaboration 16 | $90 | n.d. | Digital Photo Print | 19" x 13"

Ron Schwager is a photographic artist with over 35 years of experience, blending commercial and fine art photography. His work captures moments with technical precision and creative vision.

S029
Ron Schwager
Abstract Collaboration 17 | $90 | n.d. | Digital Photo Print | 19" x 13"

A continuation of Schwager’s abstract photographic series, showcasing his mastery of form, light, and composition. His work has received notable recognition and contributes to both contemporary photography and fine art collections.

S030
Reta Rickmers
Boardwalk Pelican | $150 | 2024 | Acrylic | 16" x 20"

Reta Rickmers is an artist and art educator with a lifelong passion for creating meaningful art. She works in acrylics and mixed media, often drawing inspiration from her life experiences and a love of birds. She has taught high school art for 23 years and continues to create personal, expressive works in her studio.

S031
Bryan Keith Thomas – Donated by Georgia Zweber
"And Still We Rise" | $1,000 | n.d. | Oil on Paper, Mixed Media | 21" x 25"

Born in Dyersburg, Tennessee, Bryan Keith Thomas holds an MFA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is a Professor of Fine Art at California College of the Arts, teaching Painting & Drawing and Critical Ethnic Studies. His work has been exhibited internationally, including Art Basel, de Young Museum, and U.S. Embassies, and is included in private and public collections worldwide. Thomas has received recognition from the White House for his participation in the Art in Embassies Program.

S032
"Watching a Fly (Diptych)" – Donation by Michelle Davis | $850 | n.d. | Photograph | 46" x 22.5"

A striking photographic diptych donated by Michelle Davis, capturing a contemplative, natural moment with exceptional composition.

S033
Michael James
Loving Embrace | $500 | 2018 | Acrylic on Canvas | 25" x 31"

Michael James creates expressive acrylic paintings that explore intimacy and human connection, reflecting emotion and gesture in vibrant color and composition.

S034
Lenn Goldman
Untitled | $150 | n.d. | Transparent Watercolor on Paper | 15.25" x 15.25"

Lenn Goldman draws inspiration from landscapes, sporting art, and nature, painting directly from observation. Influenced by a youthful encounter with Beatnik painters and guidance from his uncle in Switzerland, he developed a California painterly style, often traveling light to capture the essence of Monterey Bay, the High Sierras, and the Santa Cruz Mountains in watercolor.

S035
Cooie Grey Levin
Mosaic Birds | $140 | Mosaic

Cooie Grey Levin embraces problem-solving in her creative process, crafting mosaics by combining unique shapes, textures, and colors. Each piece is completed when all elements “fit” harmoniously, reflecting both creativity and careful craftsmanship.

S036
Janet Landess
Cash Pot | $40 | Ceramic

Chico-based ceramic artist Janet Landess creates functional and decorative works, contributing to the local art scene with accessible and engaging ceramics.

S037
Gail Nathan – Donated by Michelle Davis
Deciphering Delusions | $750 | Oil on Canvas

Gail Nathan has explored geometric abstraction, pop-figuration, and expressive narrative painting over her long career. Her work reflects continual experimentation with color, form, and space, influenced by Modernism, Postmodernism, and personal experience. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, and her art remains responsive to challenges, change, and contemporary influences, including ongoing inspiration from Picasso.

S038
Gregory Geiger
Princess Bae – 9 Seconds | $2,000 | 2017 | Photo Digital Print

Alameda-based Gregory Geiger is a queer artist, typographic romantic, and darkroom traditionalist. A founding member of 1/5th As Good, Geiger holds a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute and an MFA from Mills College. Their photographic practice explores memory, pop media, and perception, reviving classical techniques to address contemporary ideas of beauty, desire, and visual experience.

S039
Gregory Geiger
Constructed Landscape | $750 | Photo Assemblage | 24" x 24"

This work continues Geiger’s exploration of photography and assemblage, merging memory, pop culture, and classical photographic methods to create visually and conceptually compelling pieces. Geiger’s work has been widely exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.