January 28, 2011

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Nineteen Alabama artists will converge on The Kirklin Clinic at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, for ArtBLINK Gala 2011, benefiting UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center research and services.

Top Alabama artists, many either a cancer survivor or caregiver, will create a masterpiece in 90 minutes while ArtBLINK attendees watch, and the art will be auctioned that evening by Guin Robinson and CBS 42's Sherri Jackson.

 "Ignite Your Inner Artist" is the theme for this year's event that features artists Nall, Stephen Ardovino, Ahmad Austin, Xander Booker, Gary Chapman, Vicki Denaburg, Randy Gachet, Karen Graffeo, Lila Graves, Wyona Hamby, Bethanne Hill, Darius Hill, Joey Longoria, Fran Nagy, Amy Pleasant, John Pleasant, Linda Ellen Price, Ricky Trione and Paul Ware.

The ArtBLINK Gala 2011begins at 6:30 p.m.; dress is black-tie optional. Valet and deck parking are available for guests. Admission is $150 per individual, and tickets can be reserved  by calling 205-934-1603. Guests will enjoy cocktail dining by B&A Warehouse and live music by Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars.

Hosted by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board, ArtBLINK supports cancer research and patient and family services. The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center thrives on the generosity of the community and the determination of expert researchers, outreach professionals, nurses and doctors to make strides in preventing, screening and treating cancer.

This year the gala will honor three of the UAB Cancer Center's most longstanding and loyal supporters who each passed away in 2010: Judith Todd Abrams, Rita C. Kimerling and William M. Spencer III. Honorary chairs for this year's gala are advisory board members Pat and Jean Sullivan.

ArtBLINK Gala 2011 is sponsored by Birmingham Magazine, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Burr & Forman LLP, EBSCO Industries Inc., Jefferson Iron & Metal Brokerage, The Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation, Medical Properties Trust and UAB.

About the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the 40 cancer centers in the nation to meet the stringent criteria for the National Cancer Institute's comprehensive designation. The center is a leader in groundbreaking research, reducing cancer disparities and leading-edge patient care.

About UAB

Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state of Alabama's largest employer and an internationally renowned research university and academic health center; its professional schools and specialty patient-care programs are consistently ranked among the nation's top 50. Find more information at www.uab.edu and www.uabmedicine.org.