A New Art Experience with LASAA

Artwork by Lora Hlavsa and DIO (Photo taken by Ssneau)

Art galleries intimidate me. I don’t feel welcome in most of those spaces. I have a complete aversion to ever asking what a piece of art might cost and zero understanding of how art is valued. I am not an art expert. I’ve never studied art or art history. All of that said, I do know that art can move me, stir up emotions and make my thoughts churn. Images get stuck in my head. I’ve looked at the lines and curves and colors someone created and the work has brought me to tears. When it comes to art, I just know what I like.

An Invitation to the Table

Despite my lack of knowledge of the art world, I was thrilled to be invited to serve on the planning board for LASAA 2025, a group made up of artists and art lovers like me, that aims to take the intimidation out of art collection and appreciation. The board has been working for months to organize our first event, LASAA (Live Action Silent Art Auction) scheduled for Aug. 8, 2025 at The Hennepin in downtown Minneapolis. The event, presented by Studio 42, is a fundraiser benefitting Read With Me, Minnesota, a local nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy rates in the Twin Cities and ensuring children have access to diverse books.

What is LASAA?

LASAA 2025 is a one-of-a-kind art experience focused on bringing together artists, community leaders and changemakers for a night of creativity, cultural enrichment and expanding viewpoints. You’re going to be immersed in the broad spectrum of what it means to engage with art from the moment you enter the space. Aside from artworks in a variety of mediums, we are also bringing you interpretive dance, music to invigorate the soul and food. Chef Marcus Brandt says he creates thought-provoking food that, “draws inspiration from culinary anthropology, storytelling and nostalgia.” LASAA is excited to partner with Chef Marcus and to sample more of his culinary delights. At LASAA, collectors, both seasoned and new, are invited to meet a lineup of about 20 artists, connect with the artists’ message and perhaps begin or add to their personal art collections. For some LASAA artists, a sale at the event will be their very first.

Following in the footsteps of the Worth A King’s Ransom events held in 2022 and 2023, LASAA 2025 offers artists selected to be part of the event, a chance to become a cohort that works together to share knowledge, promote their work and to navigate the business of being an artist today. More on this to follow when we call for artists who want to participate.

In periods of great turmoil, we often look to artists to capture and reflect the times. In that spirit, LASAA aims to be a platform for both new and established artists to make their vision accessible, their message recognizable, and their work obtainable. 

Join us

Watch this space and follow us on Instagram for the artist call and more information about how you can sponsor this event or purchase tickets to attend. Mark your calendars!