Going Once, Going Twice…Meet Us in the Middle at the 2026 SEGD Auction for Excellence!

One-of-a-Kind Artwork & Design Treasures

“Presorted” Original Artwork by Wayne Hunt, FSEGD

Donated by SEGD Fellow Wayne Hunt

A favorite auction tradition continues! SEGD Fellow Wayne Hunt returns with another beautiful original creation. Presorted is an original dimensional collage that embodies Wayne’s signature blend of graphic precision and sculptural depth. Both contemporary and timeless, the piece bridges visual communication and fine art.

Measuring 8″ × 10″ and presented in a distinctive 16″ × 18″ vacuformed frame, this is another wonderful opportunity to own an original work by one of SEGD’s most celebrated designers. Wayne’s artwork always generates excitement at the auction, and we can’t wait to see where this year’s piece finds its new home!

1970 Mexico World Cup Poster by Lance Wyman

Donated by SEGD Fellow Lance Wyman

Own a piece of design history! This 24″ × 36″ reprint of Lance Wyman’s iconic design for the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is personally signed by the legendary designer and SEGD Fellow. The Mexico 1970 identity remains one of the most celebrated examples of graphic design in sports history, with its unforgettable typography and visual language. An extraordinary collectible for design enthusiasts, soccer fans, and admirers of Wyman’s groundbreaking work.

Rare Design Collectibles from Chris Calori & David Vanden-Eynden

Donated by SEGD Fellows Chris Calori and David Vanden-Eynden

Two very special opportunities for the design collectors in our community! First, a rare, signed poster designed by Chris Calori for a 2008 lecture at New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. This poster has rarely been seen outside the Calori & Vanden-Eynden design office and a small circle of individuals.

Also up for auction: signed first and second editions of Signage and Wayfinding Design, Chris Calori’s comprehensive guide to creating environmental graphic design systems. The first edition is out of print and increasingly difficult to find, while the full-color second edition remains an essential resource for the profession. These are true treasures for anyone who loves the history and practice of experiential graphic design!

Design Collectible from Michael Gericke / Pentagram

Donated by SEGD Fellow Michael Gericke, Pentagram

SEGD Fellow and Pentagram partner Michael Gericke is once again generously supporting the Auction for Excellence! Michael’s contributions are always among our most anticipated auction items, and we’re excited to have another special piece from one of the industry’s most influential designers. Stay tuned for the reveal!

Watercolor House Portrait by Sarah van Haastert

Donated by Sarah van Haastert. AVI-SPL (XTG)

Turn a place filled with memories into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind work of art! The winning bidder will receive a custom, hand-painted watercolor portrait created from a favorite photograph of their home. Each painting captures the unique character, architectural details, and charm of the house, creating a meaningful keepsake to treasure for years. Perfect for celebrating a first home, anniversary, wedding, or a beloved family home.

Meet Jimothy! An Illuminated Seattle Original

Donated by the SEGD Seattle Chapter

Meet Jimothy, Seattle’s beloved trash panda, brought to life in a one-of-a-kind illuminated artwork! Equal parts art, design, and a little mischief, this whimsical raccoon features a bold geometric design, layered materials, and vibrant RGB lighting that brings Jimothy to life in a rainbow of colors—including SEGD’s signature colors!

More than just a fun piece of artwork, Jimothy celebrates the creative collaboration between designers and fabricators. Created with support from CRĒO Industrial Arts and members of the SEGD Seattle Chapter, this unique piece showcases the imagination, craftsmanship, and teamwork that make the SEGD community so special. Whether displayed in a home, studio, or office, Jimothy is sure to spark conversation, bring a smile, and add a little Seattle personality to any space!

A Little Kansas City Flavor (and Some Serious Fun!)

State Bicycle Co. Klunker Bike — Winner’s Choice!

Get ready to ride in style! The State Bicycle Co. Klunker Bike is a fun, retro-inspired mashup of a beach cruiser, mountain bike, and BMX, perfect for cruising the neighborhood, running errands, or hitting the trails. We’re featuring the Kansas City Chiefs Klunker in honor of our host city, but here’s the best part: the winning bidder gets to choose their favorite design! Select from available NFL team editions or classic color options to make it your own.

The Chiefs bike is shown for promotional purposes. Final design selection is subject to availability.

Vestaboard Black Flagship

Donated by Vestaboard

Bring the magic of design and technology into your home or office! Vestaboard is an award-winning modern split-flap display that transforms any space into a dynamic canvas for messages, inspiration, and storytelling.

With 8,448 individual rotating flaps, Vestaboard displays messages, calendar updates, and colorful patterns in a way that’s as mesmerizing to watch as it is to read. Controlled through a mobile app or cloud API, it’s a beautiful combination of nostalgia and innovation. A true statement piece for any creative space!

“Meet Me in the Middle” Custom Pickleball Paddles

Donated by SEGD

We’re having a little fun with our conference theme! These custom pickleball paddles celebrate Meet Me in the Middle with a playful twist that’s perfect for the court. A fun keepsake from Kansas City and a little nod to next year’s conference in Atlanta, where there is a pickleball court at the hotel conference venue ready to go!!

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just getting into the game, this is one auction item that’s sure to be a hit!

Experiences You Can’t Buy Every Day!

They Wore the Hope Diamond. Now They’re Cooking You Dinner!

Donated by SEGD CEO Cybelle Jones and Jamie Rains

Yes, you read that correctly. And trust us, this is going to be a good one! SEGD CEO Cybelle Jones and G&A Design Director Jamie Rains became friends 33 years ago while redesigning the Smithsonian’s National Gem Collection. Now these longtime friends, foodies, and cookbook collectors are inviting six lucky guests to Cybelle’s home outside Washington, DC, for an eclectic, artful four-course dinner.

Expect great food, wonderful company, and a casual evening spent gathering in the kitchen with the chefs, drink in hand! The experience includes pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, a four-course dinner with dessert, and after-dinner drinks. Guests will select from three menus prepared by the hosts. A truly personal experience that promises fantastic stories!

Dinner date to be mutually agreed upon and scheduled four months in advance. Dietary and other details will be coordinated with the winning bidder.

Behind the Scenes at the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Donated by SEGD Board President Aki Carpenter, RAA

What if you could experience one of the country’s most significant museums alongside someone who helped bring it to life? Join Aki Carpenter, Vice President and Chief Creative Officer at Ralph Appelbaum Associates and SEGD Board President, for an exclusive guided experience at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.

As a creative leader who oversaw the museum’s exhibition design from the ground up, Aki will share the extraordinary process behind bringing history to life through storytelling, innovation, and immersive experiences. Discover the artistry, challenges, and triumphs behind the creation of this powerful cultural institution. For anyone passionate about museums, storytelling, and experiential design, this is an opportunity not to be missed!

The Creative Edge Breakthrough: Depth Coaching for Visionary Designers

Donated by Amy Lukas

Sometimes the next big breakthrough begins by looking inward. SEGD Past President Amy Lukas is offering a private Executive Depth Coaching experience designed for creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior professionals seeking greater clarity, renewed creative energy, and meaningful growth.

This personalized experience includes a Creative Leadership Profile, a 75-minute Vision Session, three private 50-minute coaching sessions via Zoom, and ongoing text and email support between sessions. Explore the inner patterns, strengths, and assumptions that shape how you lead, create, and make decisions, and discover new possibilities for your next creative chapter. An incredible opportunity to invest in yourself and your creative future!

Leading in the Age of Kairos: Half-Day Leadership Workshop

Donated by Julian Phillips

How do we lead with confidence when the future cannot be confidently predicted? Julian Phillips invites a leadership team to explore that question in a thought-provoking, half-day facilitated workshop. Moving beyond traditional approaches to leadership, this working session examines how teams recognize change, challenge assumptions, make decisions, and navigate uncertainty.

Rather than a traditional seminar, this is an interactive opportunity to explore leadership in a world where circumstances can shift faster than our plans. The package also includes signed copies of Julian’s published works: LevAIthan: A Brief History of Humanity and AI, Datagentism: How Humans Tell Better Stories in the Age of Machines, and Intelligent Humility: How Humans Flourish in the Age of Machines. A unique opportunity for leaders and teams ready to think differently about what’s next!

Posters, Photography & Pop Culture!

Thanks to the incredible generosity of longtime SEGD supporter Don Kiel, this year’s auction also features a wonderful collection of posters and design collectibles with connections to art, film, culture, and Kansas City!

Get Your Kicks: Route 66 Centennial Poster

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of America’s legendary Mother Road! Established in 1926, Route 66 connected communities across the country and became an enduring symbol of American travel and culture. This 24″ × 36″ poster is a fitting tribute to its centennial year.

David Yarrow: The Collection — Photography Book & Print

Explore more than four decades of extraordinary photography in The Collection, a stunning retrospective of internationally acclaimed photographer David Yarrow. Featuring approximately 150 images and a foreword by Robert Redford, the book is accompanied by a special David Yarrow print.

The Missouri Breaks: Vintage Bob Peak Movie Poster

A striking 29″ × 41″ vintage poster featuring artwork by legendary American illustrator Bob Peak for the 1976 Western starring Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson. A beautiful piece of Hollywood illustration history.

Mickey Meets Warhol: Andy Warhol Mickey Mouse Art Poster

Two American icons come together in this colorful 24″ × 30″ poster. And there’s a fun Kansas City connection: Walt Disney spent part of his childhood and early career here, while Andy Warhol was a fixture at New York’s legendary Max’s Kansas City.

Josephine Baker: An American Icon in Paris

Celebrate the extraordinary life of Missouri-born performer, entertainer, and activist Josephine Baker with this 24″ × 36″ poster honoring one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century.

And That’s Not All!

We’re still gathering a few more surprises, including additional design collectibles, apparel, and special experiences! Keep an eye out as more items are revealed leading up to the conference.

Don’t Forget the Raffle for Excellence!

Not ready to jump into the bidding? No problem! Our Raffle for Excellence is back with a fantastic collection of prizes, creative treasures, and experiences. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s up for grabs: