CHATTEM AND RIVERSIDE WINES PRESENT ART.A.MA.JIG 2008
A Unique Fundraiser for the Arts & Education Council
CHATTANOOGA, TN--Art.a.ma.jig, the Arts & Education Council's (AEC) only annual fundraiser, will be Thursday, July 24, at the Tanner Hill Gallery from 6 to 8:30 PM. Showcasing the talents of local artists and chefs in the area, Art.a.ma.jig supports the AEC's mission to provide unique opportunities for lifelong learning and participation in the arts for all members in the community.
Art.a.ma.jig combines the culinary and fine arts for an exciting evening with chefs, artists, and community members. It has grown into a well-known event; artist participation has doubled and over $75,000 has been raised since its debut in 2003. Art.a.ma.jig brings the community together to raise money for AEC programs--the Independent and Back Row Film Series, Culture Fest, the Conference on Southern Literature, and a myriad of literacy programs for students--that would otherwise not exist in Chattanooga.
The opportunity to support the AEC and its outreach programs in Chattanooga is a big factor in drawing local artists to participate. "I see the AEC's yearly fundraiser as an opportunity for me as an artist to join them in their efforts in promoting or furthering the arts in the educational setting... The AEC and organizations like them play a vital role in the cultural health of this city," says Iantha Newton, an artist who has participated in Art.a.ma.jig for the last several years.
The highlight of Art.a.ma.jig 2008 is the silent auction of original works by 51 artists. A variety of media will be represented during the fundraiser, from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media works. However, the exhibit will be unified by the theme Fortune, which has attracted both new and previous Art.a.ma.jig participants. Opening bids start between $100 and $3,000, giving Chattanoogans the opportunity to bid on a wide range of original works--and all proceeds benefit AEC programs. This encourages artists to participate in support of AEC as well as promote art in the community.
Art.a.ma.jig also features dishes prepared by some of the region's best chefs including Mercatino, Niedlov's Breadworks, Sushi Nabe, Blue Orleans, Niko's Southside Grill, and the Deli Man & Cake Lady. The food will be accompanied by a selection of wines from Riverside Wine and Spirits as well as other beverages.
Tanner Hill Gallery is located at 3069 South Broad Street. The art auction begins promptly at 6 PM. Art.a.ma.jig 2008 is sponsored in part by Chattem, Riverside Wine and Spirits, Miller & Martin, Baker Donelson, Starkey Printing Company, Adams Lithographing Company and Artech Design Group.
Tickets are $65 per person or $100 per couple. Art.a.ma.jig is open to the public, but because tickets are limited, advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. For tickets call the AEC at 423.267.1218 or register online at ArtsEdCouncil.org.
Posted by Christy Painter