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WE SAW YOU: Incognito Art Auction

The Memphis Botanic Garden’s annual event auctioned art without revealing the artist’s name.

Artists didn’t have to wear a disguise, but there was more than one creative type in a witch costume at the Incognito Art Auction party, which was held July 28th at the Memphis Botanic Garden. 

The artists were all part of the event, which returned in July after more than a year. Their artwork was on view July 8th through 28th. Online bidding was July 15th through 28th.

This is how it works: Guests can see the art and the name of the artwork, but not the name of the artist. They bid on what they like. Not the artist.

Kenneth Jackson performed while guests scratched their heads and dined from a spread that included turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwiches. Witches could remove their hats and tap whoever bought their artwork toward the end of the party.

According to the press release, Incognito is supported in part by Artists’ Link, a “volunteer organization, resource, and support group for Memphis area visual artists and a link between artists and the community.” 

More We Saw You photos at memphisflyer.com.

By Michael Donahue

Michael Donahue began his career in 1975 at the now-defunct Memphis Press-Scimitar and moved to The Commercial Appeal in 1984, where he wrote about food and dining, music, and covered social events until early 2017, when he joined Contemporary Media.