Public Space One’s Random Generator art auction begins this week

IOWA CITY — Public Space One (PS1) presents its annual art auction exhibition, Random Generator, in the newest PS1 gallery space, PS1 Close, 538 S. Gilbert St., and website from Thursday to March 12. Bidding will go live online at publicspaceone.com/auction on Thursday at 7 p.m. The fundraiser auction will end March 12, when there will be a reception from 7 to 8 p.m., complete with a livestreamed and in-studio audience celebratory end program.

Generated from a (less than random) cross-section of eastern-Iowa or tangential artists, more than 80 distinct art objects have been gathered for redistribution to the public in an effort to support PS1's gallery programming for another year. The Random Generator auction has in-person viewing and online bidding.

This year's auction has something for everyone, from large scale paintings to intimate assemblages (and all points, media, and genre in between).

Auction proceeds will support Public Space One’s daily art programming and operations, including exhibitions, performances, residencies, and resources for artists and art-making. The benefit also will support renovations to PS1’s gallery space, elevating our environment for contemporary art in downtown Iowa City. New this year is a raffle with contributions from Trumpet Blossom, White Rabbit, Willow & Stock, RSVP, Home Ec., Femmedecks, and a handful of other businesses.

Gallery hours for viewing the work are 1 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday. All bidding takes place online.