Whoever said original art can't be affordable has never been to the Nic during its annual postcard-sized auction, "Postcards from the Wild Wild West."

"It [the auction] gets people into the idea of collecting art and affording art," said Holly Turner, executive director of the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center in Casper. "It's an entree for artists, for us to see artists' work and for the community to participate in an affordable event."

Six galleries full of one-of-a-kind art - from contemporary to traditional, abstract to realist - are all priced at $20. The bidding increases from there. Works include collages, drawings, oil paintings, pottery, sculpture, glassworks, wood pieces, photography and more.

All works are donated by the artists. Money raised during the auction funds Nic-sponsored children's programs. More than 200 artists' works are featured, some from Casper, some from California and Texas and the Midwest. Artists range from a kindergartener to a master sculptor whose works usually sell for thousands of dollars.

The event will also include music from the Saggy Bottom Boys, grub by Outback Steakhouse and a cash bar.

"You can wander, look, dance, drink … It's not structured like some of these events," Turner said. "The only structure is the wall closings."

And by "structure," Turner means "mayhem." The walls of art close one at a time, and upon scheduled closings, rooms fill with silent bidders - who are anything but silent in their fight for coveted works of art.

"You can tell pretty quickly if the bidding is fast and furious," Turner said. "Everyone will stand at the postcard they want. It's really kind of funny-crazy, because everyone crowds around."

Now in its 10th year, the Postcards auction has become "a beloved event," Turner said.

So what's the trick to getting original art for a lower price?

"Be in each room and be a part of each room's closing," Turner said.

She also suggested going for the less-popular works, which are no less great, but will likely cost less in the end. Some, she said, may go for the original $20 listing price, or only a few dollars more.

"You see all kinds of talent here, and there's nothing wrong with any of it," said Nic Development Director Amanda Helm.

"It's amazing the talent we have in this community," Turner added. "You'll see something different in every room."

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0616 or megan.lee@trib.com. Read her DogBlog at tribtown.trib.com/MeganLee/blog.

To attend

The Postcards from the Wild Wild West auction will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on May 9 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $35 for non-members.

For more information, call the Nic at (307) 235-5247 or visit www.thenic.org.

The Postcards from the Wild Wild West auction will be held from 6 to 11 p.m. on May 9 at the Nicolaysen Art Museum and Discovery Center. Tickets are $25 for museum members and $35 for non-members.

For more information, call the Nic at (307) 235-5247 or visit www.thenic.org.]]->