Philanthropists, fine-art buyers, community leaders and famous glass artists were in attendance, while online bidders followed the action live via high-definition video produced by Auction Network.

The entire fourth-floor ballroom held displays of more than 350 stunning art-glass objects. Slow, cool jazz tunes played live as guests mingled among the exhibits, enjoying appetizers and cocktails, admiring the brilliant art on display and placing “silent” bids” on more than 250 objects of glass art. The silent bidding ended as dinner was served.

Finely appointed dining tables encircled a large raised platform where the auctioneer, Kip Toner, dazzled the audience and encouraged bidding. Tuxedoed servers provided food and wine as some 70 glass-art objects were presented to the audience, one by one, for live auction. The guests bid happily and competitively, raising more than $800,000 for the school. It was an eye-dazzling event successfully orchestrated to help fund the important work being done at Pilchuck.

Pilchuck Glass School is recognized worldwide as a leader in art education in the medium of glass. Established in 1971 by famed artist Dale Chihuly, benefactors Anne Gould Hauberg and John H. Hauberg, Pilchuck is now an international center for glass-art education. The school operates under the visionary methods of Mr. Chihuly and is now co-chaired by him and Leslie Jackson Chihuly.

For further information concerning support, educational programs, future events, etc., call the Pilchuck Glass School at 206-621-8422.

WorthPoint—the premier Web site for art, antiques and collectibles

Imagine yourself comfortably wiggling your toes near the fireplace or sipping java on an overstuffed couch at the local café or entertaining good friends at your home . . . while simultaneously attending the world-renowned Pilchuck Glass School black-tie gala auction at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Seattle. You could watch the gala, bid on investment-quality art glass, experience the excitement of live competition, hear the hammer fall and bask in the glow of winning . . . all in real time from anywhere in the world you happen to be.

On October 30, 2008, the Pilchuck Glass School’s 30th-annual, contemporary art-glass auction will be presented live in streaming high-definition on the Internet by Auction Network. WorthPoint Worthologist Lisa Huff will be part of the Auction Network team in Seattle.

Featuring hundreds of beautiful works from students and masters of the school founded by Dale Chihuly in 1970, this fundraiser is the art-glass event of the year. Proceeds go for student scholarships and support of the school.

The Pilchuck Glass School hosts famous resident artists and teachers from around the world. Glass masters such as Bertil Vallien (Sweden), Lino Tagliapietra (Italy), Fritz Dreisbach (U.S.), Benjamin Moore (U.S.), Dale Chihuly himself and more will have objects of art available at this auction. Pilchuck’s talented students, the masters of the future, will offer hundreds of one-of-a-kind works. This is your chance to own one of these renowned pieces that celebrities have collected for years. This auction presents your finest opportunity to invest in stunning glass art at a fraction of its near-future value.

Participating in Auction Network live bidding, or just watching the action, is free and easy. Anonymous bids placed through the site will be conveyed to the auctioneer via an Auction Network representative. Competitors on the floor and phone will compete with you.

Auction Network is the first 24/7, multimedia network solely dedicated to auctions. It celebrates the sport and competitive spirit of auctions with a fast-paced, interactive programming environment where buyers meet sellers. A preview of the 350-plus art-glass forms created by current and future masters of the craft with accompanying short biographies is available on the site. Your winning art-glass treasure(s) will be wrapped and shipped via a professional concierge service directly to your door. Be sure to register early, study the catalog, and plan your strategy.

The Pilchuck 30th-Annual Auction will be held Thursday, October 30, with auction highlights beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and auction bidding beginning 7:25 p.m.. Internet users can access and participate in the auction through Auction Network. Register now. It’s free and easy to Watch, Bid. and Win.

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