Untitled, 2012 by artist Santiago Poggio. Courtesy MOLAA.

More than 160 works of art by Latin American and Latino artists are up for grabs through the Museum of Latin American Art’s first, fully online auction, the proceeds of which will go toward the MOLAA COVID-19 Recovery Fund.

After closing in mid-March due to the pandemic, and with its reopening for July 15 postponed after Governor Gavin Newsom recently ordered the re-closure of indoor service at restaurants, museums and other venues after an increase in infections across the state, MOLAA is aiming to recover its loss of revenue from months of having to keep its doors closed.

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“With the new orders from yesterday, MOLAA has decided to stop the reopening plans until further notice as a way to support the government’s and the community’s efforts to slow down the increased numbers we are seeing,” said Solimar Salas, vice president of content and programming.

The Recovery Fund supports MOLAA’s basic expenses, proper conservation of its permanent collection and loaned artworks, and ongoing operations. The fund also allows MOLAA to be flexible in creating new onsite and online programming, responding to changing guidelines.

Surmadalismo, 1970 by artist Rogelio Polesello. Courtesy MOLAA.

Those interested in bidding can do so by signing up with Invaluable, the world’s largest online live auction marketplace. MOLAA’s auction will run through July 19 (thanks in part to a donation from private collector Sammy Sayago) with works available from artists Leonardo Nierman, Francisco Toledo, Zaida del Rio, and others.

“The generous support artists and collectors give MOLAA through their donations for this online auction is key for MOLAA to continue to develop and execute its mission through this pandemic,” said Dr. Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, president and CEO of MOLAA, in a statement. “We have been able to expand our online programming to reach our audiences during our time of closure.”

To participate, visit invaluable.com/molaa.

Asia Morris is a Long Beach native covering arts and culture for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her @hugelandmass on Twitter and Instagram and at [email protected].