The aptly named "BenchMark" event at The Contemporary Museum celebrates the museum's 20th anniversary this month with a creative idea inspired by the museum's Nu'umealani Gardens in Makiki.

Twenty stunning garden benches by a group of Hawai'i's best-known artists are on view at the museum through Oct. 26.

They range from Satoru Abe and John Koga's "Three Men Meditating" (stone, bronze and copper) to Jodi Endicott's "Perched" (teak, concrete, brass and resin).

"Flotsam," by Cade Roster, uses a recycled metal framework topped with two skateboard decks.

"We wanted to celebrate our 20th anniversary by highlighting our gardens and some of the artists that have been part of our 20 years at this site," said event co-chair Christine Feldmann. "We also invited the high school students of Roosevelt Art Department because Roosevelt has been part of our history also."

The benches will be silently auctioned off with last bids accepted until 4 p.m. on the final day. Proceeds benefit both Hawai'i's regional artists and the museum's general operating fund.

"This event serves as lifeblood for Hawai'i's artists and TCM as well as helps further the arts as a new economy for Hawai'i," said Endicott. "Collectors of the benches not only get art they can use, but also receive the satisfaction and public recognition of … contributing to furthering our state's economy.

Other featured artists include Nicholas Bleecker, K.C. Grennan, Scott Fitzel, Ron Kent, Leland Miyano, Deborah Nehmad, Christopher Reiner, Fred Roster, Frank Sheriff, Randall Shiroma, Lonny Tomono, Roy Venters, Yida Wang, Jianjie Ji and George Woollard. Student artists of Roosevelt High School are also participating. Photos of the benches are at www.friendsoftcm.org/benchmark.