Bidsquare is proud to partner with the Museum of Arts and Design for its annual gala, MAD Ball 2017. For over twenty years, the MAD Ball has recognized visionaries in the fields of art, design, business, and philanthropy, reflecting MAD’s mission to celebrate innovation and excellence across all creative disciplines. MAD Ball kicks off its celebrations this week with an online auction on Bidsquare. Bidding is now live and closes Tuesday, November 7th at 10:15PM EST.

The auction features outstanding works of art, jewelry, unique travel packages, design items and more. Art highlights include a 306 Hooded Coat by Sterling Ruby Studio; To Be or Not To Be Free by Faith Ringgold; and BART by Oliver Clegg. Additional highlights range from fine jewelry to travel experiences: a Peter Schmid Ring; Two Nights on the French Riviera; dining at the best Midtown has to offer and more.

100% of the proceeds from the auction benefit the Museum of Arts and Design. The online auction leads up to the main event: the MAD Ball 2017 gala on November 7 at Cipriani 42nd Street, New York. MAD Ball 2017 will begin at 6:30 pm with cocktails and a silent auction, followed by dinner, the Visionaries! Awards presentation, and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online here. This year’s Visionaries! Award recipients are diplomat and pin collector the Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, former United States Secretary of State; Italian design innovator Barnaba Fornasetti; business leader, collector, and philanthropist Jorge M. Pérez; artist and civil rights activist Faith Ringgold; and contemporary multimedia artist Sterling Ruby. The Museum commissioned New York–based artist Todd Pavlisko to create this year’s awards.

“MAD has a long history of supporting and celebrating artists who work in the disciplines and materials commonly known as ‘craft,’” said Shannon R. Stratton, MAD’s William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator. “Today, those disciplines are enjoying a revival, and our honorees represent the new generation of artists exploring craft mediums as well as the masters and their supporters. We are encouraged by a new wave of curiosity and enthusiasm for craftsmanship, as well as for the fields of fiber, clay, glass, and wood—art and craft disciplines on which our museum was founded.”

"Bidsquare is excited to partner with the Museum of Arts and Design and use our platform to give back and support this year's MAD Ball and Visionaries! Award recipients,” said Allis Ghim, CEO of Bidsquare. "The auction combines unique art and design which resonates with our audience and we are excited to help raise funds for MAD, whose mission is to exhibit and provide educational programs for contemporary artists who use materials that are crafted into works that enhance contemporary life."

Additional information and the full digital catalog for the auction is online now at www.bidsquare.com. 

About Bidsquare
Bidsquare is a curated platform where collectors can discover and bid on rare and authentic fine art and antiques from over 130 vetted auction houses and galleries. Bidsquare is the destination for individuals and collectors seeking exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces, with new, unique property added every day. Visit http://www.bidsquare.com to view all auctions. 

About the Museum of Arts and Design
The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) champions contemporary makers across creative fields and presents the work of artists, designers, and artisans who apply the highest level of ingenuity and skill. Since the Museum’s founding in 1956 by philanthropist and visionary Aileen Osborn Webb, MAD has celebrated all facets of making and the creative processes by which materials are transformed, from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. MAD Ball 2017 will celebrate the conclusion of MAD’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee.