HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Art Center is preparing for two November events, including its annual autumn art auction and holiday open house, offering residents opportunities to support local arts programming and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.
Executive Director Emily Kohls said the center's 2026 Autumn Consignment Art Auction will take place Saturday, Nov. 14, followed by its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, Nov. 21.
The art auction is one of the center's largest fundraising events, with a portion of the proceeds supporting daily operations and future arts programming.
"Our consignment art auctions are some of the art center's biggest fundraisers," Kohls said. "The portion of the proceeds for our auctions help with funding our daily operations and funding future arts programming at the art center."
Doors will open at 9 a.m. Nov. 14, with the live auction beginning at 11 a.m. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
Kohls said nearly 130 pieces of artwork will be available, including works consigned by private collectors and other art institutions. Some artwork has been donated outright, allowing the center to receive all proceeds from those sales.
The center typically draws close to 100 attendees for its auctions, with its most recent event in June featuring more than 140 pieces.
Those unable to attend can submit absentee bids by calling 620-727-4555.
Auction items are currently on display in the center's Main Gallery through Nov. 14, allowing prospective buyers to view the artwork before bidding. A complete gallery of available pieces can also be viewed online at hutchinsonartcenter.net.
The center will then shift its attention to the holiday season with its annual Holiday Open House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
Kohls said the event serves as the center's unofficial kickoff to the Christmas season, with holiday decorations, Christmas trees and wreaths throughout the building.
The open house will also highlight the center's gift shop, which features handmade items from local and regional artists, crafters and artisans.
"We have our gift shop that features local and regional artists, crafters, and artisans," Kohls said. "So we have beautiful ceramic creations, jewelry, original wall art pieces, and also glass ornaments."
Visitors can also browse the center's members' consignment gallery, which features additional original artwork available for purchase.
Kohls said the art center currently has approximately 300 to 400 members. Membership benefits include discounts on gallery and gift shop purchases, opportunities to sell artwork and participation in the annual members' art show.
The Hutchinson Art Center also hosts exhibitions featuring emerging and established artists from across Kansas, providing opportunities for students, recent graduates and longtime artists to display their work.
Located at Fifth Avenue and Washington Street, the Hutchinson Art Center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.
For more information about either event, membership opportunities or upcoming exhibitions, call 620-663-1081 or visit hutchinsonartcenter.net.