Local and regional artists donated pieces for the Micro Masterpieces auction.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The 2026 Micro Masterpieces auction, presented by the Rancho Cordova Arts Organization, included 640 pieces of art, over a hundred more than last year. The results of the fundraiser have increased each year since its inception in 2018. Micro Masterpieces were sold this year by silent auction from June 8 through June 13.

The proceeds from this year’s 6x6 artworks came to more than $23,500, bringing the total raised from Micro Masterpieces by RC Arts in the last five years to over $114,000. The proceeds are used for art supplies for kids attending schools in the City of Rancho Cordova.

Everyone has their favorite Micro Masterpiece!

“We know the program is working,” said Art Director and Curator of Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (The MACC), and President of RC Arts, Cheryl Gleason. “This year we had 1,005 pieces of art in the student show. Each year, we assist more teachers in bringing visual arts into the classrooms of Rancho Cordova Schools. Most people do not know visual arts are part of the required curriculum in California public schools,” said Gleason. 

In California’s Arts Standards for Public Schools, pre-kindergarten through grade twelve require instruction in four arts disciplines: dance, music, theatre and visual arts.

The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center displayed the Micro Masterpieces upstairs for easy viewing.

Two hundred and thirty local and regional artists donated pieces. There were 2,595 bids placed and 58,828 page views on the auction site. This is the eighth annual Micro Masterpieces auction, and the fifth year that Rancho Cordova Arts will give art supplies to teachers in Rancho Cordova for their classrooms.

The Creative Art League of Sacramento, a nonprofit arts organization which puts on the Crocker Holiday Market and much more, gave a generous $5,000 donation to Rancho Cordova Arts to support this Arts in Schools fundraiser. Other contributors and philanthropic sponsors such as artist Marge Gorman pushed the total to the new record.

“We cannot do it without the support of the creative community in the greater Sacramento Metro area,” Gleason said. “Without the amazing artists and their variety of art mediums, the auction wouldn’t be as successful.”

Proceeds from the Micro Masterpieces will provide Rancho Cordova students with art supplies.

The top five earners for Micro Masterpieces this year were Polly LaPorte, at $828 (four pieces); Jeff Look, $651 (25 pieces); Marsha Mason, $553 (six pieces); Paula Bellacera, $531 (four pieces); and Jamie S. Perry, $476 (six pieces).

LaPorte regularly participates in the Micro Masterpieces fundraiser.

“(Cheryl) runs that gallery so nicely and it’s very well run,” LaPorte said. “I was in there to help sort out the art supplies and stuff last year, and I’m so impressed with their commitment, and so I would like to very happily be part of their community. Cheryl’s just tremendous, she’s just such a gem and an asset, that’s for sure.”