Play The Lottery With Art In Bel Air

BEL AIR, MD — This weekend in Bel Air there will be an art lottery.

Called "Take a Chance on Art," the event is coordinated by the Harford Artists' Association and ensures everyone is a winner.

Each person who buys a $75 ticket will get a number, which is then entered into a bingo-style drawing, according to Bel Air Economic Development Coordinator Angela Robertson. Unlike in bingo, however, all numbers will be drawn.

"If you're No. 50" and that number gets drawn first, "then you get your first pick of the art that has been donated," Robertson said at the recent Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission meeting, where the event was discussed. The commission sponsored the cost of the renting the Bel Air Armory for the Harford Artists' Association, which is providing the local artwork for the event. The nonprofit will benefit from proceeds.

Libations and light fare will start at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Bel Air Armory. The drawing begins at 5 p.m.

"Ahead of time you make a list of all the pieces you really like," Robertson said. "The later [your number is] drawn, the less you have to choose from." However, she said there was plenty to choose from at the end of last year's event, where people could also purchase additional pieces if they wanted them. Said Robertson of the event: "It's super fun."

Take a Chance on Art will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bel Air Armory, 37 North Main Street, Bel Air.

The lottery auction will begin at 5 p.m. Libations and light fare start at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $75 for one lottery ticket or $100 per couple.

For those who just want to go but aren't sure they want to buy an artwork, "spectator tickets" are $25. Those who opt for this type of ticket (called the "Food, Wine, Music and Browsing" option) can choose to add $50 to their ticket at the event if they want to buy a piece of artwork.