2026 Benefit Art Auction Attendee Guide
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 5:30-9:15 PM
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Three things you can do before arriving to help make check-in quick and easy:
- Log in to GiveSmart, Bemis Center's mobile bidding platform. When your ticket was purchased or registered, you received text message or email notification(s) from GiveSmart via no-reply@givesmart.com. If you haven't already, please follow the instructions in those messages to access your GiveSmart account. Once logged in, navigate to your profile from the dropdown in the upper right corner, and be sure your mobile phone number is entered--this will allow you to receive important updates via text message during the event.
- Enter your credit card information. If you intend to place bids during the auction, please take a moment to enter your credit card information into your GiveSmart account. Once logged in, navigate to the "My Info" page at the top, and select "Add Card on File."
- Plan to check in individually upon arrival. When you get to Bemis Center, each individual guest must check in to receive a wristband and enter the event--this includes spouses, partners, and anyone in your party.
If you have questions or difficulty accessing your GiveSmart account, please contact development@bemiscenter.org or 402.341.7130.
WEATHER
The Benefit Art Auction is an indoor/outdoor celebration. Friday's temperatures will be in the 50s and 60s, with a chance of rain. The Knudtson Party Tent and MAVEN BAR will be ready to welcome you outside, rain or shine. We're preparing to keep the festivities comfortable with additional outdoor tents and heaters. Feel free to bring an umbrella--we'll be happy to store it for you at our complimentary coat check!
Please note: In the event of lightning nearby, we will direct you to safety inside Bemis Center.
WHAT TO WEAR
Dress in your vision of the future. Think bold silhouettes, unexpected details, metallic moments, or something entirely your own. This is your invitation to get expressive, imaginative, and a little otherworldly.
EVENT SCHEDULE
- 5:30 PM: Doors open, open bar and hors d'oeuvres available, all bidding opens
- 7:45 PM: Bidding closes for items in Heider Family Foundation Gallery 1
- 8:15 PM: Bidding closes for items in Kelsey + Tony Noecker Gallery 2
- 8:45 PM: Bidding closes for items in Owen Foundation Gallery 3
- 9:15 PM: Bidding closes for items in Omaha Steaks Gallery 4
- 10:00 PM: Knudtson Party Tent closes
LOCATION + ENTRANCE
Bemis Center is located at 724 South 12th Street between Leavenworth and Jones Streets, in the heart of the Old Market. Please enter the event through gates on 12th Street just south of Jones Street and head to the main building entrance.
GETTING HERE + PARKING
During the event, 12th Street outside of Bemis Center will be closed to traffic to accommodate the festivities. Consider leaving your wheels at home and taking a rideshare or taxi for the easiest experience!
Valet: Ticket holders have access to complimentary valet parking from 5:15 to 11 PM. To access the valet, head east on Jones Street from 12th Street toward 11th Street. Valet spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Public Parking: Park Omaha offers several nearby options, including the 10th & Jackson Garage and limited on-street metered parking.
ARRIVAL + CHECKING IN
There are multiple check-in stations just inside Bemis's main entrance. Please head to the shortest line.
Each individual guest must check in to receive a wristband and enter the event--this includes spouses, partners, and anyone in your party. We will confirm your name and add a phone number if needed.
Once you get your wristband from a Bemis staff member, you're all set to bid and enjoy the night!
HOW TO BID
All bidding takes place on our online bidding platform, GiveSmart. Participants are invited to bid from anywhere--you do not need to be physically present at the event.
You can access the GiveSmart platform via mobile device without downloading an app. However, be sure to arrive with a fully charged mobile phone! (If needed, you can power up at the charging station located inside in the main hallway.)
On GiveSmart, bidders can watch items and set up a "Max Bid" if desired.
The starting bid for artwork featured in the online auction is 70% of the retail price provided by the artist.
Artwork sells to the highest bidder.
Works of art are on view throughout all four of Bemis's galleries. When the auction begins at 5:30 PM CT, each item will include a closing time. Please take note of the four bid closing times:
- 7:45 PM CT: Bidding closes for items in Heider Family Foundation Gallery 1
- 8:15 PM CT: Bidding closes for items in Kelsey + Tony Noecker Gallery 2
- 8:45 PM CT: Bidding closes for items in Owen Foundation Gallery 3
- 9:15 PM CT: Bidding closes for items in Omaha Steaks Gallery 4
Bidding in each gallery will conclude according to cellular network time synchronization. Though our countdown clocks and gallery closing performances are programmed to align as best as possible, please rely on your cell phone's clock when placing bids.
For more instructions on how to bid, watch this quick video from GiveSmart.
EVENT FEATURES
Music: Find adult marching band The Wrinkles in Time entertaining outdoors and in the galleries, and DJ Crabrangucci keeping the energy going outside in the Knudtson Party Tent.
Photo Booth: Become part of a celestial composition at the photo booth installation created by artists Shane Darwent and Elspeth Schulze. Special thanks to Millwork Commons for making this installation possible.
Food + Open Bar: A buffet and passed hors d'oeuvres will be provided in the Knudtson Party Tent. Open bars are located within the galleries, in the tent, and MAVEN BAR will also serve outdoors.
ACCESSIBILITY
The 2026 Benefit Art Auction Accessibility Guide includes information to help attendees plan their participation and know what resources are available.
If you have additional questions about access, please call 402.341.7130 or email access@bemiscenter.org.
ZERO WASTE
As part of Bemis's sustainability initiatives, last year's Benefit Art Auction successfully diverted 98% of waste from the landfill! To achieve this again, there will be a number of waste stations throughout the event with separate receptacles for recycling, compost, and landfill. If you're unsure about which bin to use, please refer to the posted signs or ask a nearby volunteer or staff member.
AFTER THE EVENT
Checking out: If you win an artwork, you'll receive a confirmation via text message after bidding closes in that gallery. To finish checking out at the end of the evening, please review your remaining balance (including optional credit card fees) from your GiveSmart dashboard. We ask that you complete your transaction(s) by Monday, November 2 at 9 AM CT. Otherwise, Bemis will charge your card on file.
Artwork pickup: All artwork pickup begins Wednesday, November 4, 9 AM to 5 PM, at Bemis Center. More ways to collect your artwork purchase(s) are available here.
CONTACT
Email for general event questions: info@bemiscenter.org
Email for questions specific to artwork purchases, bidding, and pickups: development@bemiscenter.org
Phone: 402.341.7130
Note that your question may already be answered in the general Frequently Asked Questions!