Duke's Nasher Museum of Art is celebrating five years as part of the arts community in Durham and the Triangle. And they've been a part of the cultural elevation in the region, from the El Greco to Velázquez exhibition to hosting showings of works and writings by artists like Picasso and Warhol, to a far broader range of exhibits from emerging artists, modernists and more.

That celebration comes to focus on Nov. 13 with the Nasher's 2010 Benefit Gala, an annual event that raises funds for the museum in West Durham; proceeds support the Nasher's free K-12 and adult education and exhibition programs.

And thanks to the generosity of the Nasher, BCR readers have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Gala's after-party. (Value of the tickets: $150 per.)

This year's benefit gala will honor Larry Wheeler, the director of Raleigh's North Carolina Museum of Art -- whose cultivation of friendship with the widow of securities firm Cantor Fitzgerald's founder led to the NCMA putting together one of the largest Rodin castings collections in the country, as the N&O noted earlier this year. Governor Perdue will also be in attendance.

A Gala-specific art installation by artist Jennifer Rubell (who'll be in attendance), interactive iShadow lighting from New York, and the after-party -- featuring DJ and music writer Dave Tompkins -- will be highlights of the night.

The pre-reception starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, Nov. 13, with the gala underway at 7:30 and the after-party kicking off at 9:30pm. Tickets to the full gala run $250-$500+ per person.

To enter to win BCR's pair of tickets in the contest, email [email protected] to express your interest; a winner will be selected at random on Nov. 8. To find out more about the gala or to buy tickets, visit http://www.nasher.duke.edu/gala.