Fundraising from this year’s Lawrence Arts Center Benefit Auction topped last year’s by $30,000.

The 33rd annual auction, which took place April 13, raised more than $150,000 to support the Arts Center’s exhibitions program, director Susan Tate said. Last year’s auction raised $120,000, the number set for this year’s goal.

Patrons purchased 140 pieces of original art donated by local, regional and national artists, Tate said. Retail values of the artwork ranged from less than $20 to more than $12,000.

The auction is the Arts Center’s most important single fundraiser of the year. Money raised from the event pays for exhibitions in the Arts Center’s galleries and open spaces, plus related artist lectures, feature films and other events.