Hosting a major art exhibit featuring popular artist's work attracts a large amount of attention to your department. Many people will attend your exhibit and the chances that someone will donate some money to your department increases. Many art museums and departments depend on donors to keep them running. People who love art and want to support it are attracted to big exhibits and it never hurts to host an exhibit that will attract many people.
Wine-tasting dinners are big ticket events that attract many people. People purchase tickets to the wine tasting, and the money covers the food and wine consumed, and a portion of the proceeds go to your department. You may choose to hire a caterer to provide the food and have someone who is knowledgeable about wine pair the wine selections and courses together. Including previews, or "sneak peeks", of art pieces from upcoming art shows or exhibits your department may be hosting is an excellent way to drum up interest in your art department and will give people at the wine tasting aesthetic stimulation along with their food and wine.
Set up an agreement with an art supply store, choosing a day or evening where part of the profits from the sales that day will go towards your department. Your department can pass out fliers advertising the event and help bring in extra business for that day. The store may also choose to offer a discount to those shopping that day if they say they are supporting your organization. If the store is agreeable, you could turn the event into an even bigger fundraiser by having local artists have a "sidewalk sale" in the store's parking lot, and the store could raffle off some art supplies. Events like this, that offer special discounts and raffles will draw in more business. The art supply store gets extra business, and the department gets a portion of the money from the sales and raffles.
Local artists and businesses may participate in this fundraiser. Get donations such as artwork, gift certificates and products from local businesses and host a silent auction. People can bid on the item that they would like, and the proceeds can be used for your department. Auctions work best when they are held at a dinner or a party where people can look at the items available to bid on. Raffles can also be done in this fashion.