A favorite portion of the evening is when paddles are raised to bid on once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences.

LIVE AUCTION
The live auction will include an exclusive opportunity to join an underwater archaeological excavation at three different sites in the Mediterranean Sea; an expert-led tour of Crete, Santorini and the Peloponnese; the winning bidder’s choice of either a Mediterranean cruise that sails from Athens to Venice OR a Voyage Into Antiquity cruise from Venice to Rome, with stops in Croatia; a fabulous stay at an Italian villa built right next to the old Roman road in a charming town in Puglia; and for those with visions of palm trees and balmy skies, a stay at an amazing colonial-style house in Antigua complete with a private visit to the 17th-century archaeological site of Montserrat. You will also have an opportunity to support the AIA Site Preservation Program. If you are a winning bidder or pledge drive supporter, please proceed to the auction check-out table located in the cocktail reception space at the conclusion of the dinner program.

SILENT AUCTION
An enticing array of silent auction items will be located in the reception area.  The silent auction closes at 10:30 p.m. and items will be available for pick up at the auction check-out table.

NOTA BENE
If you are bidding on a trip, please pay particular attention to the travel dates and expiration date. If you win a trip and cannot travel within the stated time frame, AIA staff will undertake efforts–within reason–to help extend the travel time frame. We cannot guarantee any extensions and we urge you to plan accordingly.

AUCTIONEER, Piers Davies

Piers Davies has worked in the international fine art market for over 20 years. Having begun his career at the Bond Street gallery in London as a researcher and specialist. Mr. Davies then joined Christie’s New York as the Sporting Art Specialist and subsequently worked as a Specialist in the Old Master, British & 19th Century Paintings Department. As a licensed New York State auctioneer, he has conducted a wide range of commercial and charity auctions. In 2010, he founded Piers Davies Fine Art, an art advisory company located in New York City advising collectors and institutions on the purchase, sale and valuation of works of art. The AIA sincerely thanks Mr. Davies for donating his time and expertise to the evenings live auction.

In addition, a live pledge drive will be held for our Site Preservation program. With the help of gala attendees, we are able to preserve sites for the future. The AIA supports projects on five continents that combine innovative preservation techniques with community involvement and outreach to create sustainable preservation. Guests will also have the opportunity to support the Jane C. Waldbaum Archaeological Field School Scholarship program which enables students to have their first archaeological field work experience.  The scholarships have sent dozens of students to dig at sites across the world.

If you have questions about the upcoming auction items or would like to bid via phone, please contact Jennifer Klahn at jklahn@aia.bu.edu.