Birmingham local artists will create works of art during UAB’s ArtBlink Gala and auction them off to raise funds for the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The 33rd annual ArtBlink Gala 2018 will take place at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital, 2000 Sixth Ave. South.
Funds raised will go toward the Cancer Center’s Fund for Excellence, which supports high-priority research for specific projects, including the Deep South Network initiative, which works to eliminate cancer health disparities through prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
The Cancer Center is a national leader in research and treatment. Its “comprehensive” designation, awarded by the National Cancer Institute, is held by only 49 institutions in the country. UAB’s cancer program was one of the first eight comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and has held this designation continuously for the past 45 years.
“One of our objectives is to facilitate breakthrough discoveries through drug development. We want to bring therapies faster, and in the safest way possible, to our patients,” said new Cancer Center Director Michael Birrer, M.D., Ph.D. “We not only want to expand our clinical trial enterprise, but also increase participation, especially from diverse populations.”
Birrer, who came to UAB from Massachusetts General Hospital, would also like to continue the Cancer Center’s work in cancer health disparities.
“We are perhaps one of the few cancer centers in the nation that engage underserved populations effectively,” he said. “To implement the vision of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, we simply couldn’t do it without community support.”
Returning local artists, who will work with a variety of media to create masterpieces in 90 minutes, include Ahmad Austin, Sally Waldrup Boyd, Carol Carmichael, Gary Chapman, Amy Collins, Joan Curtis, Barbara Davis, Carol Misner, Linda Ellen Price, Michael Swann, Paul Ware, Robine Wright and Natalie Russo Zoghby.
The theme for this year’s gala is English Garden. It includes a cocktail dinner provided by IZ Catering and a silent auction with participating artists. The gala will include an Artists Gallery, where guests can view and purchase additional artwork created by the ArtBlink artists to support the Cancer Center.
Admission is $150 per person. For more information, visit artblink.org. You can buy tickets by clicking the ArtBlink tab or calling 934-1603. Dress is black tie-optional. Valet service and deck parking are available for guests.
Presenting partners include AutoTec and Regions Financial Corp. ❖
