Crowd enjoys AMoA's annual 20x20 Art Show fundraiser

Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News
·2 min read

The Amarillo Museum of Art (AMoA) held the in-person portion of its annual 20x20 Exhibition and Silent Auction fundraiser Thursday at its Amarillo College location.

An attendee puts in a bid on a painting at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
An attendee puts in a bid on a painting at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Liz Razo stands by her painting "La Vaca" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Liz Razo stands by her painting "La Vaca" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Juan Dash Jimenez stands by his painting "Wolf Princess" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Juan Dash Jimenez stands by his painting "Wolf Princess" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.

With this fundraiser, AMoA raises money to support its innovative educational programs and the local artists who participate. All art was up for auction via silent auction, with AMoA and the artists splitting the proceeds for the work. More than 100 works of art were on display, and more than 300 people attended Thursday's event to support the museum.

Amy Thoennes stands by her painting "Out of the Ashes" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Amy Thoennes stands by her painting "Out of the Ashes" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Lanell Berry stands by her painting "Flower Garden" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Lanell Berry stands by her painting "Flower Garden" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
A winning bidder stands with his artwork at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
A winning bidder stands with his artwork at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.

Amanda Jarnagin, director of development for AMoA, spoke about the 18th annual event.

"This is a great way to support local artists and our educational program," Jarnagin said. "This allows local artists to display their work and get recognized for their great work. This all works to make the Amarillo art community a better place while supporting our museum. This is a rare opportunity to have local artists on display."

A painting celebrating the iconic Herb Alpert album "Whipped Cream and Other Delights: was among the over 100 paintings at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
A painting celebrating the iconic Herb Alpert album "Whipped Cream and Other Delights: was among the over 100 paintings at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Bekah McWhorter stands by her painting "Local Legend" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Bekah McWhorter stands by her painting "Local Legend" at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Over 100 paintings from local artists were featured at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
Over 100 paintings from local artists were featured at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.

Kelsey Vander Dussen and Rachelle Tuls, co-chairs of this year's event, spoke about its impact on the art community.

"The money goes to keep bringing great art to the museum and keeps it free," Vander Dussen said. "We have a very fluid art community in Amarillo, and it's important to celebrate it."

A patron looks over one of the over 100 paintings at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.
A patron looks over one of the over 100 paintings at the 20x20 Art Exhibition and Silent Auction at the Amarillo Museum of Art on the campus of Amarillo College.

She said that this event gets to show off the burgeoning art scene in the community.

"This is probably one of the best exhibitions we have each year," Tuls said. "Much of the money is used to bring the arts to schools in the surrounding communities that may not have the money for art programs. It's important to celebrate art and show how important it is in our everyday lives."

The fundraiser officially began March 22 when the online bidding began on the AMoA's website.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo museum hosts 20x20 art show and fundraiser