Updated February 10, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - ArtBLINK Gala 2010, the 25th annual gala benefiting the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Comprehensive Cancer Center, will be held Saturday, Feb. 27 in The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Sixth Ave. South.

Hosted by the Comprehensive Cancer Center Advisory Board, ArtBLINK is the must-attend charitable event supporting cancer research and patient and family services. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.; dress is black-tie optional. Valet and deck parking are available for guests. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased by calling 205-934-0034.

ArtBLINK will feature 18 top Alabama artists, each working to create a masterpiece in 90 minutes before the eyes of gala attendees. Many of the artists have a direct connection to cancer either as a survivor or through helping a loved one cope with a diagnosis. The art will be auctioned that evening by Guin Robinson and CBS 42's Sherri Jackson.

Participating ArtBLINK artists are Ahmad Austin, Xander Booker, Gary Chapman, Vicki Denaburg, Randy Gachet, Karen Graffeo, Lila Graves, Buffy Hargett, Bethanne Hill, Darius Hill, Jane Marshall, Fran Nagy, Susan Oliver, Amy Pleasant, John Pleasant, Linda Ellen Price, Ricky Trione and Paul Ware.

ArtBLINK 2010. Download image.

The gala guests of honor are Herman and Emmie Bolden of Vestavia Hills, who are being recognized for their many years of generous support of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since 1976, the Boldens have shown unwavering dedication to key projects at the center, and they are shining examples of volunteer support as charter members of the Advisory Board, with which they were active for more than 20 years.

Guests at ArtBLINK 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. 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.

ArtBLINK Gala 2010 is sponsored by Birmingham Magazine, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, Burr & Forman LLP, Colonial Properties Trust, EBSCO Industries Inc., Medical Properties Trust Inc., and Protective Life Corporation.

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.