Renowned Artist Borbay to Perform Live Painting at UW Art Museum’s Benefit Gala May 18

Celebrated painter and location artist Borbay will perform a live painting at the University of Wyoming Art Museum's benefit gala Saturday, May 18, at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

"A Hat Ball" will be an evening of Western elegance that will celebrate the museum's 50th anniversary. The gala will start at 6 p.m. with a social hour and the opening of the silent auction. Dinner and the program will begin at 8 p.m., followed by the live auction that will feature art and vacation packages. Later on, guests can dance to music provided by The Munsick Boys, winners of a 2023 Wyoming Governor's Arts Award.

The live painting performance promises to be a highlight of the evening, say event organizers. Guests will have the opportunity to watch Borbay create a one-of-a-kind painting inspired by the Western landscape and culture that the museum celebrates. The painting will feature the iconic neon sign from the Thunderbird Lodge in Laramie. Following the performance, the painting will be available for bidding during the live auction.

Borbay, whose work has been collected and commissioned by prominent figures in the art world and beyond, is known for his unique style that blends location painting, portraiture and collage-based techniques. His vivid and striking compositions have earned him a reputation as one of the most dynamic artists working today.

"We are honored to have Borbay join us for this special event and thrilled to have him share his talent with our community," says Nicole Crawford, director of the UW Art Museum.

The UW Art Museum's benefit gala is an annual fundraising event that provides support for the museum's programs that serve Wyoming's communities, teachers, faculty, students and visitors. Private donations, including the proceeds from the gala, account for over 50 percent of the UW Art Museum's annual operating budget. Along with hosting high-quality exhibitions and expanding its collection, the museum's education programs focus on increasing critical and independent thinking skills, promoting collaboration and contributing to student preparedness in our global society.

Tickets to the gala are available through Saturday, May 4. For ticket information and more details about the gala, visit the museum's website at www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.

About the University of Wyoming Art Museum

The UW Art Museum exhibits, preserves and interprets visual culture from around the world to engage academic, local, state, national and global communities. The museum is located in the Centennial Complex at 2111 E. Willett Drive in Laramie. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday hours are extended to 7 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, call (307) 766-6622; visit the website at www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum; or follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram.