Attendees peruse the silent auction

The 2012 Gala will feature both silent auctions and a short live auction. Our unique "cork sale" allows attendees to purchase numbered corks for $10, which were then matched with a variety of fine wines and premium spirits donated by event sponsors and Circus World's Board of Directors. The silent and live auctions featured table after table of donated items ranging from:

• artwork
• consumer electronics
• fine wines
• framed photographs
• gift certificate packages
• home decorating items
• spa services
• fine dining certificates
• professional sports tickets
• jewelry
• specialty items

2012 donations are being accepted now. Please contact us at 608-356-8341 with your donatation.

An exhibition highlighting the paintings and sculpture of Lon Michels is taking place at the Tory Folliard Gallery, 255 South Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin from Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 through Saturday, June 30th, 2012. Lon Michels has generously donated paintings and the pictured Diamond Dog Sculpture to Circus of Chefs – the Gala 2012; the principle fundraiser for Circus World.

The son of a fifth generation stone mason, Lon Michels learned perspective from his fathers work. Michels grew up in the small Midwestern town of Marquette, Wisconsin and followed his mother's artistic lead early on. "I remember that she would throw flowers in a pattern across the floor and then make paintings of them". After graduating from Ripon College he moved to New York City as a working artist. His breakthrough occurred when he was hired by the late sculptor Louise Nevelson, with whom he worked as a studio assistant for 5 years.

"In my lifetime I have learned that the best way to grow and learn is to share your experiences with others. In order to obtain knowledge I believe one must be able to give freely, which is a simple essence that all true artists do."

"I have had many great teachers in my life, including my professors at Ripon College and more recently the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I was also greatly influenced by the working with Louise Nevelson and Mark Kostabi in New York City. These teachers and their methods to educate myself has made my life experiences not only as an artist but also as a human being."

"As an artist I want to create timelessness, a presence…I approach each piece as if it were a true masterpiece that catches the twinkle in my eye as if it were going to be placed in a museum."

When you look at Lon Michels' work you see Lon Michels.