Underwriting support from:
Event Poster
Artwork by Terry Johnston from the 2009 event. /Terry Johnston
The fourth annual Art Battle for Community will be held Wednesday night, May 12, at the Sazerac Lounge on Plainfield. This creative and energetic fundraiser supports the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA) and is one of its "Hello, Neighbor" events designed to cultivate a stronger community.
Several Creston Neighborhood artists, along with a few guests, will be given a theme at the beginning of the night and will have one hour to produce original artwork while the audience watches. According to Tommy Allen, member of the CNA’s Executive Board of Directors and the emcee for the evening, this year’s theme will be "On the Street Where You Live,” offering a personal perspective from each of the artists.
The volunteer artists this year include Michele Bosak, Abbey Bradley, Beth Fowler, Nathan Goddard, Michael Ingold, Terry Johnston, Tom Post, Erick Pichardo, Mark Rumsey and Jacob Zars.
At 8:15 p.m. that night, the audience will have a chance to bid on the artwork in a lively and fun auction. The artist selling the most expensive piece will become the event champion, with all art sale proceeds going directly to CNA. The artist awarded first place will receive $150, the second place artist will receive $100, and the artist in third place will get a bucket of beer and a pizza at the Sazerac Lounge.
CNA is known for having one of the best outreach programs in the city – providing grants to local businesses, supporting positive economic development, and implementing programs to keep people in their homes and avoid foreclosure.
The "Hello, Neighbor" events were designed to get people in the area to turn off their computers and get to know their neighbors. Ironically, many of the events are promoted via Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail, though, as Tommy Allen shared, “the organization favors using electronic media to advocate for real time experiences.”
The Art Battle for Community event is sponsored by a variety of local businesses, elected officials and political candidates. A few of this year’s sponsors are Eastern Floral; Drives Consulting; David LaGrand; Grand Rapids City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss; and Kent County Commissioners Brandon Dillon and Carol Hennessy.
Art Battle for Community is an excellent opportunity to network with artists, active community members, business owners, elected officials and candidates seeking office. Be sure to arrive early as space is limited and this fundraiser always fills up fast.
Event details:
Art Battle for Community, v.4 - The City's Largest Neighborhood Fundraiser!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sazerac Lounge, 1418 Plainfield Avenue NE
Free parking is available in the City of Grand Rapids lot across the street.
$15.00 donation requested.
For more information, call CNA at 616-454-7900.
Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=103904659647256&ref=ts
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