The University of Wyoming Art Museum will host its 19th annual gala benefit, "Bootlegger Ball," Saturday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Wyoming Union Yellowstone Ballroom.

The event provides funds for Art Museum exhibitions, collections, education and outreach programs that bring nationally renowned and culturally significant works of art to Wyoming and the surrounding area.

RSVP deadline is Friday, Oct. 12. Individual tickets to attend the gala cost $175. Couples’ tickets also are available, as are table sponsorships at various levels. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Art Museum at (307) 766-3477.

"Our annual gala is recognized as one of the most exciting social events in the state, in addition to being one of the most successful fundraisers," says Jacque Buchanan, who co-chairs the gala with her husband, UW President Tom Buchanan. "From a Denver Broncos football signed by the entire team (including Peyton Manning), a trip to Washington, D.C., in January 2013 for the presidential inaugural season, to a week in San Miguel Mexico (the Santa Fe of Mexico), this is an event where you can begin and end your holiday shopping spree. It is an opportunity to have a wonderful time supporting a wonderful museum."

The gala includes silent and live auctions, gourmet dining and dancing to live music performed by The Full Bas-Mati. Two drawings, one for a deco diamond ring and one for a $1,000 Visa gift card courtesy of Laramie GMAC, also will be held. The winners will be announced at the gala dinner, but need not be present to win.

“Imagine learning from the masters” is a guiding principle of the UW Art Museum’s programs. Located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 Willett Drive in Laramie, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday hours are extended to 9 p.m. February through April and September through November. Admission is free.

For more information, call the Art Museum at (307) 766-6622 or visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum or blog at www.uwyoartmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/uwyoartmuseum.

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