UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center to host ArtBlink Gala 2013

This year's ArtBLINK will be held Feb. 23

Artblink_webArtists will create spectacular works of art in the blink of an eye during the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual ArtBLINK Gala 2013 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, in The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Sixth Ave. South.

Sixteen local artists will work with a variety of media to create masterpieces in 90 minutes that can be purchased during the silent auction.  Since 1984, the Advisory Board of the Cancer Center has raised more than $13 million to support the Cancer Center research efforts.  Funds from the Gala go toward the Cancer Center’s Fund for Excellence, which supports high-priority research efforts — whether for a specific project, launching young investigators in a cancer research career or recruitment of new faculty members. A percentage of the funds raised will also support patient and family assistance efforts.

“The Cancer Center thrives on the generosity of the community, and especially in these tight economic times where we feel the pinch of federal budget cuts, we rely even more on their support,” says Edward Partridge, director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Philanthropic support provides us with the critical seed money to investigate drugs and develop treatments that we can quickly and safely move to our patients.”

Participating artists are Thomas Andrew, Ahmad Austin, Nada Boner, R. David Boyd Jr., Joan Curtis, Kate Merritt Davis, Vicki Denaburg, Randy Gachet, Lila Graves, Darius Hill, Carol Misner, Melanie Morris, David Nichols, Linda Ellen Price, Paul Ware and Jamie Wilson.

As one of Birmingham’s premier events, the elegant evening will also feature a cocktail dinner provided by Kathy G. & Company and dancing to the sounds of Big Daddy’s New Band. Admission is $150 per individual; learn more and make reservations at www.uab.edu/artblink or call 205-934-0282. Dress is black-tie optional. Valet and deck parking are available for guests.

Sponsors include UAB, UAB Health System, UA Health Services Foundation, Bryant Bank, Buffalo Rock, Burr & Forman LLP, Cemex, Medical Properties Trust, Protective Life Corporation, and Robins & Morton.