Every nonprofit has a fundraiser that seeks to not only showcase their mission but, in hosting their annual gala-like event, hopefully raise some serious cash to expand their mission.
For the Avenue for the Arts that event is their newly created A Lot of Art (ALOA), held in a parking lot behind San Chez but also inside the restaurant’s two spaces, the San Chez Bistro and Café, where the public will have a first look at the eatery’s 2013 ArtPrize entries.
The ALOA organizers also want you to think of this as San Chez’s gift to the Avenue; not only are the staff members donating their time this evening to serve you at this one-night-only event, but before the doors even open, all event underwriting has been completed, ensuring that the proceeds go back to the Avenue to support their programming.
In the parking lot will be 20 booths representing more than 30 artists who have not just been a part of the Avenue but who have gone above and beyond in their service to the arts community. A few of these artists or art businesses include Dinderbeck, Issue Press, Day Dream Studios, Have Company, Sarah Jean Anderson Studio, and The Division Avenue Arts Collective.
Also returning this year will be buskers performing inside and out plus staged entertainment from Dan Muschiana, Miss Audacious, Karisa Wilson, WaZoBia, and the Kent County String Band.
There are also three artists who will be creating work live to be auctioned off, along with three other donated works of art on stage and in between the performances. The auctioneer for this first-time addition to the program will be Rapid Growth’s lifestyle editor Tommy Allen.
The two-tiered systems for entry include a $10 general admission for those on a budget. There will also be an express level ticket of $25, which gets you express service all night long, from drinks to preferred seating, and includes two drink tickets and eight food tickets to apply towards a meal or any one of the delicious hand-carried pinchos (Spanish mini-tapas). They will even have BBQ cooking in the parking lot!
This is a great way to kick off your week. In a few days ArtPrize will be open -- but in all fairness, most venues will be already promoting the heck out of their venue’s offerings early. A Lot of Art is just the ticket for those looking to take a peek into downtown before the masses arrive and a chance to give back a little to the arts community in a fun and festive fashion.
Admission: $10 general admission, $25 express VIP ticket
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