Art Auction Wins LAO Award

The Kansas City Symphony Alliance is one of eight volunteer organizations chosen by the Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras to receive a Spotlight Award for its Secret Art Auction fundraiser project.

The virtual, online auction was a unique opportunity to purchase beautiful works of art and support our Kansas City Symphony.

Various Symphony musicians, guest artists and friends, designers, and other established and emerging artists from throughout the community and beyond were invited to contribute original artworks of their own creation to this fundraiser. Mediums included watercolors, oil, pen/ink, charcoal, collage, mixed media or photography.

The twist – artworks were signed only on the back, keeping the artists’ identities a secret from the public and buyers until the auction closes and artists’ names were revealed. The project raised over $3000 to benefit the Symphony.

The Volunteer Council’s annual award program recognizes outstanding projects done by volunteer associations from around the country to help ensure the success of their orchestras. Spotlight Awards are given for projects that have contributed to the success of an overall initiative or for a noteworthy tactic or activity. Winning projects are selected based upon originality, volunteer involvement, adaptability, and the overall success of the project in meeting its goals.

Kellie Sullivan, Secret Art Auction chairperson, received the award at the League’s National Conference in Los Angeles, in June. Congratulations to KCSA and Kellie Sullivan!