Cathy and Earle Farrell (Photos: Michael Donahue)

It’s a little over two months until Halloween. And about six months until Mardi Gras. But guests donned masks and costumes at the Incognito Art Auction & Party, which was held August 1st at the Memphis Botanic Garden.

This is the annual event, now in its 15th year, when guests buy art works without knowing the name of the artist. Hence, the disguises.

More than 100 artists were represented at this year’s event. People could begin bidding online for works July 15th and continue until the August 1st closing night celebration. Guests were encouraged to wear costumes, which added to the mystery. Who was an artist and who was a guest?

Kenneth Jackson performed music for the participants. 

Michael Donahue began his career in 1975 at the now-defunct Memphis Press-Scimitar and moved to The Commercial Appeal in 1984, where he wrote about food and dining, music, and covered social events until...