Time for Panache at Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery

Jeopardy question of the day: What is panache?

Defined as flamboyant confidence of style of manner, Panache also is the title of the Escondido Arts Partnership Municipal Gallery’s biggest and baddest, as in best, fundraiser of the year.

Panache struts its stuff, and then some in the form of silent and live art auctions, food, drink and entertainment at 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 19.

“Panache is the main source of operating revenue for our community space and it’s the gallery’s largest fundraiser,” Escondido Arts Partnership (EAP) director Chrisanne Moats said

Over 40 award-winning local, national and internationally acclaimed artists donated works for the gala fundraiser. This year’s Panache 2016 Art Auctions  celebrates the work of artist Niki de Saint Phalle as well as award winning Southern California artists. Auctioneer Dovi Lichtenstein does the honors.

An original signed lithograph “Pink Martini” by the late, internationally acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle will be the cornerstone of the live auction.

Panache it up.

A retrospective of her work is currently at the ARKEN Museum for Moderne Kunst, Copenhagen/Ishoej, Denmark. The Niki artwork is among more than 40 donated artworks and services that will be auctioned during the annual EAP fund-raising gala and Escondido Municipal Gallery.

“As the unofficial arts agency for the City of Escondido, the Escondido Arts Partnership is proactive in encouraging the growth of art-friendly businesses in North County as well as supporting the Niki de Saint Phalle Queen Califia’s Magical Circle garden with docents,” Moats said.

“The partnership operates the Municipal Gallery, a free resource center for local artists, tourists and the general public,” Moats said. “Panache 2016 is the most important event on EAP’s busy calendar of exhibits, educational programs and special activities benefiting residents and visitors. ”

Panache 2016 Artwork can also be previewed online on March 11 at www.escondidoarts.org and at the gallery during the public reception from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday March 12 and . Admission to the preview is free. The gallery is open Tues. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.

Panache sponsors include The Niki Charitable Art Foundation, Escondido Sunrise Rotary, Don Manor, Cosmic Solar, Murphy’s Fine Woodworking, Bulldogge & Co.,Grand Galleria, Stone Brewing Company, and SunCatcher Design.

Reservations for the Panache 2016 Art Auction are $45 in advance and $65 at the door. Reservations may be made by visiting the gallery, calling gallery staff at (760) 480-4101 or by visiting the website: www.escondidoarts.org. The gallery is at 262 E. Grand Ave.

Fun at Panache.