Artists will create spectacular works of art in the blink of an eye during the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual ArtBLINK Gala 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Sixth Ave. South.
Eighteen local artists will work with a variety of media to create masterpieces in 90 minutes that can be purchased during the silent auction. Funds from the gala go toward the Cancer Center’s Fund for Excellence, which supports high-priority research efforts for specific projects, launching young investigators in cancer research or recruiting new faculty. A percentage of the funds raised will support patient and family assistance efforts.
“Since its inception in 1984, the Advisory Board of the Cancer Center, which is a volunteer group of community leaders, many of whom have been touched by cancer in some way, has been committed to raising funds for cancer research. They host this event annually, and it’s their time and generosity combined with the community effort that makes the gala a success,” said Edward Partridge, M.D., director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Philanthropic support from the community provides us with the critical seed money to investigate drugs and develop treatments that we can quickly and safely move to our patients.”
Participating artists are Thomas Andrew, Ahmad Austin, Melissa Payne Baker, David Boyd, Carol Carmichael, Amy Collins, Sam Collins, Amy Crews, Joan Curtis, Barbara Davis, Vicki Denaburg, Lila Graves, Mila Dreher Hirsch, Carol Misner, Sally Powell, Linda Ellen Price, Michael Swann and Robine Wright.
As one of Birmingham’s premier events, the elegant evening will feature a cocktail dinner provided by IZ Catering and dancing to the sounds of The Rock Candy Band. This year’s gala will include an Artists Gallery, where guests can view and purchase additional artwork created by the ArtBLINK artists.
Admission is $150 per individual. For more information, visit www.uab.edu/artblink. You may purchase tickets online, email CCCEvents@uab.edu or call 205-934-0034. Dress is black-tie-optional. Valet and deck parking are available for guests.
Presenting sponsors include Autotec, Jemison Investment Co. Inc. and O’Neal Industries.