December 18, 2008

ArtBLINK 2009. Download image.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A collection of well-known Alabama artists will gather in Birmingham for one night to make visual art before an audience and raise funds for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The benefit called "ArtBLINK" and hosted by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board, is the centerpiece of the board's Gala 2009. ArtBLINK will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, at The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 6th Ave. South. Doors open at 7 p.m., the same hour artists begin creating their original works. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased in advance by calling 205-934-0034.

ArtBLINK will feature 20 artists who each create a masterpiece in 90 minutes before gala attendees. The art will be auctioned at 8:45 p.m. by Ken Jackson. Participating artists include Nall, Vicki Denaburg, Darius Hill, Lonnie Holley, Amy Pleasant, Karen Graffeo, Fran Nagy, Ricky Trione, Randy Gachet, Carolyn Goldsmith, Paul Ware, Xander Booker, John Pleasant, Jane Marshall, Chris Clark, Gary Chapman, Lila Graves, and Bethanne Hill, Annie Butrus and Joe DeCamillis.

Guests can enjoy cocktail dining by B&A Warehouse and live music by Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame inductee Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars.

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.

Gala funds will support focused research projects, launching young investigators in a research career, and the recruitment of new faculty members. A percentage of the funds support patient and family assistance efforts.