The sixteenth annual North Dakota Museum of Art Gala Benefit Dinner and Silent Art Auction will be held Saturday, February 2, 2008 beginning at 5:30 pm. Justin Welsh of the Museum Café is the Master Chef. Welsh has been at the Museum since January 2006 after graduating from Le Cordon Bleus Western Culinary Institute in Portland, OR, and also participating in a 14-month program learning classical French cuisine. Vegetarian meals will be provided with prior request. Fine wines chosen by wine connoisseur, Mike McCullough, accompany the meal.

Jan Heitmann of All Seasons and artist Adam Kemp will design the centerpieces at each of the tables and also special gallery decorations. A drawing for each centerpiece takes place at the end of the evening. Dress is black tie optional, and valet service is provided. Reservations are $95.00 per person. The tables seat eight and arrangements can be made for parties to be seated together.

Ryan and Heather Usiski along with Lowell Schweigert and Becky Hulett are co-chairing this year’s planning committee. A dedicated volunteer committee, along with numerous sponsors, make this evening possible. Over 40 private and corporate sponsors are committed to supporting the Benefit Dinner this year.

Merrill Lynch is this year's lead sponsor.