2nd Annual Naming of the Snails

Thursday, October 1–Saturday, October 3, 2026

Gainesboro Modern’s beloved building snails are ready for new names—and the decision belongs to the highest bidders.

The 2nd Annual Naming of the Snails online auction opens Thursday, October 1 at 10am. Place your bids online for the chance to name one of the museum’s CrackingArt snails for the coming year.

Bid on your own or join forces with friends and claim the naming rights to your favorite snail. Every bid supports Gainesboro Modern and helps keep global contemporary art accessible to everyone, always free of charge.

How It Works

Bidding takes place online beginning Thursday, October 1 at 10am and ends promptly at 10pm on Saturday, October 3.

Choose the snail you would like the opportunity to name and place your bid. The highest bidder for each snail will earn its naming rights for the coming year. Winning bidders will submit their proposed names to Gainesboro Modern for approval following the auction. Once approved, new name plaques will be created and installed at the museum. The winning bidders will be announced live at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, during HUSH After Dark at Gainesboro Modern. You do not need to attend HUSH After Dark to participate or win.

A New Year of Names

Each winning name will remain on display for one year. When the next annual Naming of the Snails auction takes place, the previous year’s plaques will be retired and presented to the winning bidders as keepsakes before new plaques are installed.

Place Your Bid

Use the AUCTION tab to register and bid.

Bidding closes Saturday, October 3 at 10pm.

Art is for everyone. Naming rights, however, go to the highest bidder.

2nd Annual Naming Of The Snails