Solicit donations from high-profile artists in your community. If you can round up some great donations, you'll have an easier time getting attendees.
Create a website for your silent art auction well in advance of the auction's date. List biographical information for artists donating work as well as images of their art. Discuss the benefit of this auction. How will the money be put to work?
Email your friends, family and professional contacts to inform them about the auction. Provide links to the website. If guests will need to purchase tickets, let them know. Ask your contacts to forward this email to their friends. Mention any incentives to attend, such as a door prize, happy hour or charity donation.
Purchase advertisements in your newspaper or your local public radio station. The advertisements should list the date, time and location of the auction and a brief description of what's being offered. If this is a charity auction, let the audience know.
Create a flier that advertises your art auction. Post fliers at museums, art schools and other organizations in your community.
Provide incentives for people to come. Find a band to donate its time. Approach local restaurants about providing donated food or drinks.