TICKETS
DONATE
Menu
Live Auction Preview
- Your Family Starring in a Desert Museum TV Commercial
-
Imagine turning on the TV and seeing your family in a Desert Museum TV commercial! Your kids will have bragging rights at school and you can post the commercial on your Facebook page for all your friends and family to see. We are looking for families of three to six persons/grandparents welcome.
What a great way to share a memory that will last a lifetime!
We'll provide as much advance notice as possible so that you can block this into your family calendar. However, due to filming restrictions, the shoot may be scheduled on a workday/school day, but hopefully late enough in the afternoon so the kids won't miss any school.
A gift from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Value Priceless!
- Kornegay Design Planter with Agave Congesta
-
If you are looking for that show-stopping focal point of your patio, this is it! This incredible specimen is worthy of the most renowned public gardens.
This large, spectacular planter was designed and cast here in Arizona. Each planter receives its own special care and attention. Individual concrete batches are mixed for each piece; molds are filled and tended to by hand. This piece was made to order for the Desert Museum and the craftsmanship is impeccable. Paired with a beautiful Agave congesta, the two seem as if they exist for each other.
This full sun agave is drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping and produces bright yellow blooms.
A nominal delivery fee has been included in the value.
A gift from Kornegay Design and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Value $1,200
-
Nick Wilson Watercolor
Encounter at Cactus Patch -
This splendid Nicholas Wilson original framed 11x14 opaque watercolor is a timeless treasure of life in the desert. It depicts an encounter of cottontails and javelina at a Santa Rita Prickly Pear cactus. Is it simple curiosity, perhaps?
Nicholas Wilson has been a painter, sculptor and printmaker for over 40 years and his career focus has been on wildlife art. As a young man in the 1970's, Wilson was invited to become the artist in residence by Bill Woodin and Merv Larson. Nick is represented in permanent collections of the Booth Western Art Museum, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Museum of Art, and the Smithsonian. Publications include articles in magazines such as: Southwest Art (cover) 2011, Arizona Highways (cover), U.S. Art, Wildlife Art, Southwestern Art. Book publications: The Best of Wildlife, Northlight Publishers, 1998; Wildlife Artists at Work, Watson-Gupthill, 1981. Mr. Wilson's original paintings and bronzes can be viewed at the Karin Newby Gallery in Tubac, AZ. His artwork has been exhibited extensively both in the U.S. and abroad.
A gift from Nick & Debbe Wilson, Nicholas Wilson Studio de Tubac, Value $3,800.
- Navajo Sterling Silver Squash Blossom Necklace
-
This beautiful Navajo sterling silver necklace is an early 1970's squash blossom with a double row of hand-made beads and naja, an inverted crescent pendant. Adorned with 16 squash blossoms it is approximately 36 inches long, not signed. As reference a necklace identical to this was priced at Packard's in Santa Fe for $2,200.
A gift from Carrea Uremovich, Value $1,600.
- Navajo Bolo Tie
-
This contemporary bolo tie is sterling silver, tufa cast with light oxidation, triple mask-like katsinas in sterling silver and hand-woven leather with silver tips. This remarkable piece was created by Navajo silversmith Mark Roanhorse Crawford the youngest of a noted jewelry dynasty. Mark and his brother Michael are very famous silversmiths, learning from their famous father, Eugene Crawford, Jr. Eugene Crawford, Sr. was a Navajo Marine Code Talker during World War II. The family name in Navajo is Roanhorse.
Mark's style is contemporary with traditional elements and inspiration; "transitional traditional", as he calls it. He combines abstract motifs and textures, gold and silver, with high quality stones and contemporary finishes.
A gift from Mark Bahti, Bahti Indian Arts, Value $1,100.
- Sitting (Eating & Drinking) on the Dock of the Bay
-
Four nights and three days in Monterey and San Francisco hosted by Executive Director, Craig Ivanyi, and illustrator/artist Rachel Ivanyi, on a nature lover's expedition and fine dining retreat to the bays of Monterey and San Francisco, CA, where you will explore two of the world's best regional aquariums — Monterey Bay Aquarium and Aquarium of the Bay.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is a showcase for the habitats and sea life of one of the world's richest marine regions. More than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species fill 34 major galleries. With nearly 200 exhibits in all, the Aquarium is a window to the wonders of the ocean and one of the top aquariums in the world.
Featuring a 50,000 square foot building, Aquarium of the Bay partners with The Bay Institute to protect, restore and inspire the conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed, from the Sierra to the sea. Beyond visiting two top-flight aquariums, you will receive VIP (behind-the-scenes) tours that will delve into the marine life they work with and explore ASDM's partnership in ocean education and sustainable seafood.
Optional tours of TwoXSea, a sustainable seafood distributor on Pier 45, and the Marine Mammal Center will be available, as well. And, we'll make sure to have plenty of time to relax and shop, too...
You will enjoy lodging at the historic Westin St. Francis and the Intercontinental Clement Monterey, as well as fine dining at One Market (a Gayot Top 10 American Restaurant), Fog Harbor Fish House, Fish, and the C Restaurant + Bar — all of which partner in serving sustainable seafood.
Good for two (lodging in one room). Airfare and transportation to and from airports not included. Trip must be scheduled well in advance and taken during the summer months, preferably this year.
A gift from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Value $2,500.
- Desert Willow Tree
-
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is not a true willow, but a member of the Catalpa family. It is deciduous and fast growing to 20 feet or more with an equal width. It is winter deciduous, revealing its spectacular branching architecture. Desert Willow leafs out in late March or April, soon followed by flowers. The 1" to 2" blossoms are usually pale lavender, but can vary from white to maroon and are consistent on an individual tree.
Its exotic-looking blooms, rapid growth, drought tolerance, and ease of maintenance have made it a sought-after plant. Desert Willow can be seen in habitat along large washes and permanent watercourses, from Arizona to Texas and south into Mexico. Adapted to desert washes, it does best with just enough water to keep it blooming and healthily green through the warm months.
Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The leaves are food for the larvae of Sphinx Moth caterpillars. Purchase of this large tree includes delivery and planting!
A gift from AAA Landscape, Value $1500.
- David Adix Sculpture Native Figure
-
Measuring 48" x 10" this native figurative sculpture is wall mounted and was created especially for this evening's Desert Gala by David Adix.
David, a Tucson artist is best known for his figurative sculptural forms working with recycled materials as his medium. He begins by creating a metal armature wrapped in cloth and builds layer upon layer of bits and pieces bound with wire, string, zip ties and some adhesive. The most consistent element throughout his work is the salvation and reuse of materials.
David is a multitalented artist who creates sculptural work from discovered repurposed material. His Native figures are fastidiously wired together bits and pieces of people's former lives into figurative sculptures that compel. David has been working as a visual artist since the mid-eighties, working in sculpture, collage and painting. He is now represented by galleries around the country.
A gift from David Adix, Value $4,800.
- Galápagos Islands 10-day Expedition
-
It's about up-close encounters with beauty, wildness & the seldom-seen!
© Lindblad ExpeditionsExperiencing the Galápagos Islands on a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyage is an unrivaled experience! The 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour is fully equipped with tools for exploration that will enable you to see more of the archipelago's varied islands and habitats, have up close encounters with incredible wildlife, experience the Galápagos undersea and benefit from 40+ years of experience and relationships in Galápagos to see all you came for and more.
This completely casual adventure for two includes all meals aboard the Endeavor. The chef uses fresh, locally grown produce, sustainably caught fish, and other indigenous ingredients whenever possible. Enjoy the on board spa, swimming pool and daily cocktail hour recap.
Encounter abundant wildlife like Blue-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, Darwin's finches, pink flamingos, sea lions and giant tortoises grazing in the highlands. The wildlife of Galápagos is legendary for its uniqueness and lack of fear, allowing you the rare experience of being treated as an equal in the wild world. Each island contains endemic species, and you'll have the opportunity to see an amazing array of Galápagos' creatures in their native habitats — on land and in the sea.
You'll be able to snorkel nearly every day. For those who prefer to stay dry, there's the adventure of Endeavour's glass bottom boat. And each day you'll have the option to walk, hike, kayak, or Zodiac cruise, and to join a different naturalist as you choose: there are no assigned groups.
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, four handpicked naturalists, including a Lindblad Expedition-National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist. Expedition does not include airfare, alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and any miscellaneous expenses.
Day 1: Depart U.S. and arrive Guayaquil by late evening;
Day 2: Guayaquil / Galápagos / Embark
Day 3-8: Galápagos Islands
Bartolome - This is an enchanting landscape where lava, mangroves and golden sand converge. Great walks and views abound, with a chance to snorkel with Galápagos penguins.
Santiago - Santiago offers close encounters with Galápagos fur seals along with an opportunity to study the inhabitants of the island's countless tide pools.
Santa Cruz -Look for blue-footed boobies, pelicans, sea lions and more. Enjoy walks in the highlands and encounter giant tortoises in the wild.
Isabela - A small black sand beach offers a wonderful morning swimming. Enjoy a more challenging hike and a shorter walk within an iguana colony, plus kayaking and deep water snorkeling opportunities.
Fernandina - This is the youngest island in the Galápagos and one of the most pristine tropical islands left on earth. Hike over relatively recent lava flows and spot marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Floreana - Snorkel among sea lions in the clear waters off Champion Islet. Hike to a pristine white-sand beach, a favorite nesting site for sea turtles.
Española - The exclusive home to waved albatross (seasonal) and particularly colorful marine iguanas, Española are also a paradise for Darwin's finches, sea lions galore, and the famous blue-footed boobies.
Day 9: Disembark and fly to Guayaquil. The late afternoon and evening are free to explore the city. Overnight Hotel Hilton Colón.
Day 10: This morning fly home.
Please note: Itineraries vary slightly from week to week, subject to the Galápagos National Park regulations. Above is a sample of the islands you may visit during your excursion.A gift from the Bert W. Martin Foundation and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic, Value $11,000.
- Earth Camp Scholarship
-
The fortunate bid winner will secure a scholarship for one child in the Museum's 2014 Earth Camp program. The highly acclaimed Laurel Clark Earth Camp is a summer environmental science adventure for teens, founded in honor of Columbia Space Shuttle astronaut, Captain Laurel Salton Clark, M.D.
Earth Campers study with scientists and educators who help them re-imagine their futures as explorers and innovators for a healthy planet. During the two weeks of camp, students work with a team of experts and learn about soil science, hydrology, tree-rings, botany and ecology. Various activities are tailored to show campers what actions they can personally take in their homes and communities to live more sustainably now and into the future is an over-arching theme of the Camp.
This $1,000 scholarship will provide a two-week experience including day-trips and three overnight adventures for students in grades 7, 8 and 9.
A gift from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Value $1,000.
- World Class Seaside Villa in Puerto Vallarta
-
Villa Balboa — a spectacular world class luxury property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is the perfect location for a family reunion, an exquisite wedding or the ultimate get-away.
Traditional and contemporary designs meet to create a sophisticated ambiance embracing the flavor of Puerto Vallarta and modern Mexico, in an exquisite luxury oceanfront estate for 12 people for five days and four nights. Behind the private entry gates are suites offering stunning views, all with private terraces and spectacular views of the bay and city.
The 12,000 square foot Villa Balboa offers authentic cultural excursions, private cinema and an onsite spa experience. Villa Balboa is fully staffed including a private house chef, English speaking concierge, chamber maids and security. The property is equipped with Wi-Fi and satellite.
Villa Balboa is a luxury villa which comfortably sleeps 12, includes two Oceanfront Master Suites and Four Oceanfront Suites and also includes a private oceanfront one bedroom suite with full kitchen and separate entrance. Elevator access to all levels, elegant dining room with seating for 12, Private YHM Cinema with seating for 20 plus, infinity pool, koi ponds, dance floor, water elements, fountains and falls, tropical gardens.
Please note: children over the age of 8 are welcome. Available May through October 2014, subject to prior booking. Food costs for 12 people for 4 nights/5 days estimated at $500, but are based on actual expenditures of chef and menu items chosen by guests. Does not include transportation.
A gift from Jim and Yvonne Miller, Value $8,800.
- Three Nights at a Luxury Bordeaux Château in France
-
Two couples traveling together will enjoy a three night stay in a luxury château in the romantic Bordeaux region of France. This is the opportunity of a lifetime!
During your stay on either the Left or Right Bank of Bordeaux, you will receive VIP treatment, including one-of-a-kind vineyard and winery tours, private wine tastings, and an insider's look at winemaking in France's most famous wine region. With over 10,000 winegrowers and over 60 diverse growing appellations, it is no wonder that Bordeaux is the red wine hound of France.
When not on the vineyard, enjoy scenic drives in the countryside or sightsee in the historic districts of the city — both are only a short distance away. Bon Voyage!
Airfare and transportation not included. Lodging is available Monday-Friday, September through June (excluding the Christmas/NY and Easter holidays).
A gift from Total Wine & More, Value $5,000.
-
A Gala Auction Favorite
A Week's Stay in a Luxury Home at Lake Tahoe -
Have you always dreamed of spending the holidays in the snow covered mountains skiing some of the best slopes? Now you can make it can come true with this stay for seven nights in a luxury vacation home in Incline Village at Lake Tahoe. This eastern North Shore enclave features some of Lake Tahoe's most magnificent views and this beautiful well-appointed home features three bedrooms, 3 ½ baths and sleeps six very comfortably.
Lake Tahoe is a pristine jewel of nature, surrounded on all sides by the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and ski facilities that are world renowned. Miles of terrain and endless views of snow-flocked pines, Sierra peaks and one very blue lake make the area a destination of choice for skiers.
Please reserve your dates at least one month in advance. Available October 12, 2014 — May 12, 2015.
A gift from ASDM Trustee Pat Engels & Richard Medland, Value $3,000.
- Splash of Color - Torch Cacti
-
Torch Cacti (Trichocereus hybrids) have amazing flowers which will give your garden a huge splash of color! This outstanding collection of six hybrids (with 6 different colored flowers) can be kept potted or planted in your landscape. Keep these plants fertilized, and they will keep you satisfied.
The Torch Cacti are best planted in very light shade (at least during the afternoon). It is fully winter-hardy in Tucson. A nominal delivery fee has been included in the value.
A gift from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, value $800.
- Joe Brown Sculpture Connectivity
-
This graceful sculpture of marble, gold foil and steel is carved from a single piece of Southern Arizona marble that was quarried by the artist himself.
Joe Brown is a Tucson native who graduated from The University of Arizona in 2010 Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Visual Communication with a focus in Illustration. During his studies he was mentored by a local sculptor where he learned the craft and technique of stone sculpture. He specializes in abstract sculpture and integrates different materials like steel and gold leaf in his designs. Stone is a very tactile medium and he encourages viewers to touch the sculpture.
Joe's work is found in many galleries, including Tubac, online and private collections. This young artist is one of Tucson's rising artists. He invites art lovers to visit his studio and gallery located in the Metal Arts Village in Tucson to experience stone sculpture firsthand.
A gift from Joe Brown, value $800.
