ArtBLINK Gala returns in person for 38th year to support cancer research

The ArtBLINK Gala features local artists who create original works of art in the “blink of an eye,” and raises funds for the O’Neal Fund for Excellence.The advisory board of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will host its 38th annual ArtBLINK Gala on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the UAB Kirklin Clinic. It will mark the first in-person gala since 2020.

As one of Birmingham’s premier events, the evening includes a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind pieces created live by local artists, a cocktail dinner catered by IZ Catering and a night of dancing with live music from the Schmohawks. 

The ArtBLINK Gala raises funds for the O’Neal Fund for Excellence, which promotes broad areas of basic, translational and population science research relevant to cancer and helps the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center further its mission of advancing the understanding of cancer to improve prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship for all people.

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is among the nation’s leading cancer research institutions and one of only 53 cancer centers in the country with a “comprehensive” designation from the National Cancer Institute.

“The center’s being routinely recognized as among the nation’s best means the residents of Alabama have access to the latest therapies, cutting-edge clinical trials and the expertise needed to treat their cancer right in their own backyard,” said Barry Sleckman, M.D., Ph.D., director of the center. “The ArtBLINK Gala helps raise awareness and support for the Cancer Center as we work to reduce the burden of cancer in the state of Alabama and beyond.”

ArtBLINK will also celebrate Gray and Lee Thuston, the 2023 Director’s Circle honorees, for their longstanding commitment to the center and Birmingham at large.

“Gray and Lee Thuston laid the groundwork for community investment in cutting-edge research and innovative patient care at the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Charles D. Perry Jr., president of the Advisory Board. “We are thrilled that we are able to honor Gray and Lee this year as we return to our in-person event.”  

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artblink.org.