The Patrons’ Show drawing on February 19 has been moved up one hour to 4:00 pm!

Donations for the 2012 Patrons’ Show are already pouring in from artists — but like the lawn flamingos in Nancy Garcia’s colored pencil donation, Sweet Dreams Til Spring, these works of art are hibernating until February, when hundreds of ticket-holders will be eagerly waiting for their turn to snatch one up.

Now in its 45th year, The Patrons’ Show is The Art League’s huge annual fundraiser, when Art League members (all local artists) donate artwork which can be purchased for the price of a ticket, $175: a steal for the buyer, The Art League, and the artist, who gets unparalleled exposure.

Two weeks before the February 19 drawing, ticket-holders flood The Art League Gallery and its flickr page to study up on what pieces they want to pick. With over 500 pieces to choose from, wish lists are packed — as are the gallery walls:

But for now, the pieces are still in storage, waiting for their turn in the spotlight. Over 100 pieces have been donated so far, with hundreds more to follow. Each one will go home with a lucky ticket-holder.

In 2010, Washingtonian Magazine named the Patrons’ Show the “most fun art fundraiser,” and the superlative definitely applies. Lifelong friends are made, traditions are formed, picnics are had, and one couple who met in line even tied the knot. You can see some reviews of past years’ shows here, here, and here. This is the story of one artist donor.

Tickets go on sale Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 am in The Art League Gallery. They go fast, so don’t miss out! After the initial run is sold, additional tickets are released to the waiting list as more art is donated, so that each ticket guarantees a work of art — at a bargain price.

Full details on the Patrons’ Show are here. Stay tuned for more news!