THIS week there will be two Graeme Murphys in Launceston, and one of them could be yours for keeps if the bidding price is right.
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Last Thursday's arrival was the contemporary dance icon as painted by Archibald Prize-winning artist Geoff Dyer.
This Friday Murphy will be here in the flesh along with his wife, Janet Vernon, as special guests for a fundraising gala auction in support of Tasdance, where the Dyer portrait will be one of two hot-ticket items to go under the hammer.
The cocktail party auction has been organised to support Tasdance in presenting a one-night-only cultural spectacular - Affinity - at Launceston's Princess Theatre on October 17.
Affinity is a Tasdance collaboration with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and Australian Ballet, featuring choreography by Murphy and Stephanie Lake, and music by Peter Sculthorpe. It will be Annie Greig's farewell production as Tasdance's artistic director after 18 years in the role.
"Affinity will be a really special night, but to bring it to life in the greatest possible way we need community support," said Tasdance board member Bec Birrell.
"We want to make Affinity a night Annie, Launceston and Tasmania will remember as being extraordinary."
The auction, to be held on Friday in the gardens at Hatherley House, will be part of "a winter celebration" that includes a music and performance program.
"Many sought-after items have been generously donated for auction from boutique wines, a 1996 Henschke Hill of Grace, to smaller art pieces," said Mrs Birrell.
"There's photography by Jen Brown, paintings by Glover Prize finalists Stuart Clues and Barbie Kjar as well as this significant Dyer portrait.
"Geoff has been so generous in donating the work and while we have put a reserve price on it, this could be a bargain buy when works by Dyer tip upwards of $25,000."
Guests on the night also have the chance to bid for what's being billed as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to have lunch with Murphy and Vernon, businessman Josef Chromy and Greig at Chromy's Vineyard, Relbia.
Mrs Birrell said: "With so many small items up for auction too, I almost can guarantee no-one will go home without a prize."
Tickets for the auction are $80 a head, which includes supper. To book, call 63316644 or email admin@tasdance.com.au