The Bellevue Arts Museum set a new record, raising more than $ 1 million as part of their annual Artful Evening fundraising gala July 21.

“This is more than a 45 percent increase over last year and almost double what we raised two years ago,” said Managing Director Larry Wright.

The sold-out event began with a Curator Tour of the auction art led by Curatorial Affairs/Artistic Director Stefano Catalani and Curator Nora Atkinson, followed by a champagne reception. During the reception, guests had the opportunity to bid on over 100 unique art objects, many of which were donated by this year’s BAM ARTSfair artists.

The evening continued with a dinner, program and auction featuring works by artists including Dale Chihuly, Etsuko Ichikawa and Cappy Thompson –among others.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the museum announced a challenge to patrons of the museum: The Leonard and Norma Klorfine Foundation pledged to double all donations received by July 27 with no upper limit and regardless of whether or not people attended the event. A matching of $100,000 also was made by art supporters Jane and David Davis, Kemper and Betty Freeman, Artful Evening Honorary Co-Chairs Susan and Lonnie Edelheit and Honorees Joyce and John Price. These direct contributions amassed to $534,000 – the highest amount to date.

Last year’s Artful Evening event raised $685,000 for the museum.