The first Art Alliance portrait benefit was in 2003, and has evolved into one of its most popular fundraisers, where the benefactors literally become the art. Dubbed SNAP, as the portraits are primarily photographs, this unique event concept begins with a portrait patron commissioning an art student to create their own likeness, or that of loved ones.
Imagine skimming the cream of the crop from everyone’s attic. That’s what happened nearly seventy years ago when Art Alliance women initiated the first Treasure Sale to support the Pasadena Art Museum. Touted as “the Tiffany of all garage sales” by one newspaper columnist, the sales have added immeasurably to the coffers.
For over 65 years, the Pasadena Art Alliance has supported contemporary visual art in Southern California that is new, challenging, outside the mainstream, and on the fringe. The avant-garde, groundbreaking art we have always supported embodies the heart and soul of the PAA. In 2023 we are creating a new benefit and celebrating with an evening “on the fringe” as …
Pasadena Art Alliance will celebrate its 23rd Biennial Art Auction on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at The Pit in Los Angeles. All proceeds will directly fund PAA’s Grant Program. Since our last Art Auction in 2024, over $635,000 has been awarded to help fund over 60 exhibitions, projects and educational programs to non-profit organizations. Since 1976, PAA has granted and awarded over 8.6 million dollars to countless non-profit Art organizations.
