QUICK TAKES - May 13, 2009

The Museum of Contemporary Art reports that it grossed $650,000 in an auction of works donated by artists to help the museum.

Saturday’s “Fresh Silent Auction” drew 1,100 people to the museum’s Geffen Contemporary building and exceeded its goal by $50,000. The extra cash comes with MOCA expecting to reduce its budget to levels not seen in a decade, including further layoffs after a round of job cuts in January.

“Every penny counts right now,” said museum spokeswoman Lyn Winter. She didn’t have figures for the auction’s net earnings, which would subtract the cost of framing the works and other expenses for putting on the event.

-- Mike Boehm