LASAA – Live Action Silent Art Auction

LASAA reimagines the traditional silent auction as an intentional, immersive experience designed to spark connection, creativity, and unforgettable memories. The event features 19 artists, more than 60 works of art, live bidding, live performances and interactive art experiences. Even the art of food is celebrated with an exquisite lineup of hors d'oeuvres by Main Street Kitchen (known as The Sandwich Club). 

“We’ve developed a dynamic lineup of artists whose works embody excellence and vision from creators interested in building community through art,” said Ramsey Sorrells, LASAA Executive Director. “This group celebrates the creativity, innovation and artistry that is abundant throughout our community. We can’t wait to share all of this talent with you.”

All ticket sales and charity auction proceeds go to Read With Me Minnesota, which launched in February 2025. In the short time since its establishment, Read With Me MN has donated hundreds of books, connected artists with illustrators and held several author and storytelling events in their efforts to ensure children have access to books representing diverse communities.

“We are so excited to partner with LASAA and Studio 42 for this unique fundraising event,” said Taylor Sorrells, founder and CEO of Read With Me MN. “Every dollar paid through ticket sales and the charity portion of the art show goes toward empowering young readers with the tools they need in early education to succeed. Read With Me MN’s mission is to create a world where all children feel represented in literature and the funds raised during this impactful evening will go directly to helping us do that.”

Attendees will silently bid on the work presented by LASAA artists. Artists will retain 90-100% of the proceeds for this portion of the auction. Attendees will also have an opportunity to silently bid on auction items donated for the purposes of raising funds for Read With Me MN.

Some featured artists include Patience Epps, a 17-year-old artist and recent participant in the Minneapolis Institute of Art Teen Perspectives program; Andrew Sjodin, an oil painter and draftsman from Forest Lake MN, who trained at the Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts in Minneapolis; Francesca Miguieles from Santiago, Chile, now living in Minneapolis, is a formally trained artist working in oil, acrylic and watercolors; and Ally Moreno, a self-taught indigenous artist born and raised in Minnesota who says art helps her deal with trauma and conquer her inner fears and thoughts.

General admission tickets are $40 online and $42 at the door. Tickets are on sale now.