Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

San Diego, CA – January 30, 2026 — The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego gears up to present its biennial Art Auction this spring. Taking place at MCASD (700 Prospect St, La Jolla) at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 6, this event invites art enthusiasts to grow their collection and support the museum’s missions all with the raise of their paddles. Art Auction guests will have the opportunity to bid on approximately 60 works, including photographs, sculptures, and paintings, that have been carefully selected by MCASD curators. 

The live and silent auctions will feature the work of artists including Amy Adler, John Baldessari, Math Bass, Niki de Saint Phalle, Karla Diaz, Matt Digiacomo, Max Frintrop, Carlos Garaicoa, Luis González Palma, Lavaughan Jenkins, Ed Ruscha, Perry Vásquez, Cecilia Vicuña and more. 

"What is special about the auction for me is that it is a reflection of the incredible relationships that the museum has fostered with a wide-reaching network of artists, collectors and galleries,” said Amy Crum, Associate Curator at MCASD. “As a curator, the auction offers an exciting opportunity to showcase local talent and emerging artists alongside late-career established artists in collective support of the museum’s mission. The conversations between artworks in the installation mirror the dialogues we have with our community of supporters that make this event possible. Whether you’re a new visitor or a seasoned collector, I see the auction as an invitation to join us in the important work of exhibiting, collecting, and preserving the ever-changing world of contemporary art.” 

The art-filled evening will kick off at 6 p.m., with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for all event attendees as they begin to place their silent auction bids. The highlight of the evening is the live action at 8 p.m., led by an auctioneer from Christie’s Auction House. Throughout the entire evening, MCASD curators will be on hand to consult and advise guests about growing their collections. 

In anticipation for the auction, all the artworks will be exhibited in the galleries at MCASD from February 5 through March 8. Guests who purchase a Gold Circle ticket will have the opportunity to attend curatorial tours by appointment to preview the works and receive tours. Additionally, Gold Circle attendees will have exclusive access to a special-edition Art Auction 2026 paddle that features the work of artist Karla Diaz. 

Ticket Information 

Gold Circle Tickets 

Members: $275 / Non-Members: $300 

Gold Circle ticket holders may book a private curatorial tour of the auction work. In addition, Gold Circle ticket holders will receive a special-edition paddle featuring the art of Karla Diaz (limited quantity), and will have preferred seating at the live auction, complimentary valet parking the night of the auction, champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and a listing in the auction’s program. 

General Reservation 

Members: $150 / Non-Members: $175 

General tickets holders will have access to the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres reception, standing tickets to the live auction, and complimentary valet parking.  

Tickets can be purchased online at www.mcasd.org/artauction2026

About Christie’s Auction House 

Founded in 1766, Christie’s is a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris and Geneva.  
 
Renowned and trusted for our expert live and online-only auctions, as well as bespoke Private Sales, Christie’s unparalleled network of specialists offers our clients a full portfolio of global services, including art appraisal, art financing, international real estate and education. Christie’s auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million. 

About Karla Diaz 
Karla Diaz is a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist who engages in painting, installation, video, and performance work. Incorporating themes of social justice, her Mexican-American heritage, family life, and healing, Diaz’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco, CA; The Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, CA; Institute for Contemporary Art, Boston, MA; Serpentine Galleries, London, U.K.; and Museo Casa de Cervantes, Madrid, Spain. 

About MCASD 
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of today. Open since 1941, the Museum invites people to reflect on their lives, communities, and the ever-changing world through the powerful prism of contemporary art. Located along the ocean in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla — MCASD showcases an internationally-recognized collection. Its dynamic exhibition schedule features a vast array of media in an unprecedented variety of spaces, along with a growing dedication to community experiences and public programs. 

Visit 
700 Prospect St, La Jolla, 92037 | www.mcasd.org | @mcasandiego 

Press Contact 
Melissa Zuazo, Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator | mzuazo@mcasd.org | (858) 366-4264 

General Press Inquiries: press@mcasd.org