DC’s Most Fun Art Fundraiser is living up to its name. Sold out and featuring more than 660 works of spectacular art, this year’s Patrons’ Show at The Art League is breaking many records.

The event was featured in Washingtonian Magazine’s July 2010 Best Bet’s Issue as the “Most Fun Art Fundraiser,” and it’s certainly shaping up to be with all the buzz and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Tickets to the popular annual event sold out quickly during ticket sales weekend, and donations from Art League and Torpedo Factory artists poured in, worth well more than the $175 ticket price.

The Patrons’ Show is an experience that’s part fundraiser, part block party, and totally fun. It’s The Art League’s biggest fundraising event of the year, and it provides seasoned art collectors and newcomers alike with the awesome opportunity to acquire quality works of fine art at a bargain price while supporting a non-profit organization and community of artists. For each ticket drawn, ticket-holders go home with a work of art valued anywhere from $175 to upwards of thousands of dollars.

The number of tickets sold matches the number of works donated. Ticket-holders fill the gallery during the two weeks the exhibit is featured; staying for hours studying the artwork, making prioritized lists, and taking copious notes of their favorite pieces so they’ll be prepared to select from the available artwork when their names are drawn.

During the night of the event, the Torpedo Factory is packed with excited ticket holders. Tickets are randomly drawn and when the name of each ticket-holder is announced, they may select an available work of art from the show that they wish to add to their collection.

All proceeds go to benefit The Art League’s educational programming, exhibits, and community outreach programs. Tickets are sold out for 2011, but keep an eye out for the 2012 Patrons’ Show – it will be an event not to miss!

The 2011 Patrons’ Show will take place this Sunday, February 20 at 5:00 pm.