art union

American  

noun

Australian.

1. a lottery, originally a nongovernment lottery with works of art as prizes.

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art union British  

noun

1. a lottery, often with prizes other than cash

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Etymology

Origin of art union

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Ms. Frostig, who describes herself as a “public memory artist,” holds degrees from the Massachusetts College of Art, Union Institute and University in Cincinnati and Lesley University.

From New York Times

At 19, Duncanson moved to Cincinnati, a growing arts and abolitionism hub, where he would see works by Hudson River School painters such as Thomas Cole’s “The Voyage of Life” series, which came to the city for a sale through the Western Art Union.

From Seattle Times

He won it in a raffle organized by the American Art Union in New York City, which bought the painting from Bingham and helped to popularize it.

From New York Times

You'll have more fun if you try the less-common offerings from the Brewer's Art, Union, Milkhouse and Franklin's.

From Washington Post

But you may find an excellent steel engraving of it, by Copley Fielding, full of accomplishment, elegance and taste, and published by the London Art Union.

From Project Gutenberg