ArtCenter/South Florida to Kick Off 30th Anniversary with 'pARTy', 4/19

Proceeds help fund ArtCenter's mission of advancing contemporary visual arts and culture in South Florida, providing affordable studios, programming and work space for professional artists. This year's fundraiser is the first of a series of yearlong celebratory events that culminate in the Fall, with a retrospective curated by renowned artist and ArtCenter alum, Edouard Duval-Carrié.

"ArtCenter is a pioneer institution that has launched the career of so many notable artists in South Florida," said Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. "ArtCenter holds a special place in the ever growing Miami Beach cultural and arts scene, and we are proud to serve as the location for the 30th anniversary pARTy for winningART on Lincoln Road."

"South Beach was a very different place thirty years ago, when visionary Ellie Schneiderman and other pioneer artists opened ArtCenter/South Florida back in 1984," said Maria del Valle, ArtCenter's Executive Director. "Lincoln Road was empty, preservationists were still fighting to save the Art Deco architecture, and cultural institutions would never have dreamed of making their home in South Beach. ArtCenter proudly paved the way. Miami's cultural scene has grown dramatically since then, especially the visual arts. ArtCenter contributed greatly and helped to spearhead this evolution: many of Miami's artists began their careers at ArtCenter," adds Maria del Valle.

Since opening its doors in 1984, ArtCenter has hosted more than 1,000 resident artists including:

Carlos Alves, Carlos Betancourt, Beatriz Monteavaro, William Cordova, Teresita Fernandez, Luis Gispert, Julie Kahn, Gavin Perry, Tomata du Plenty, Carolina Sardi, Jen Stark, Eugenia Vargas, Michelle Weinberg, Wendy Wischer, Agustina Woodgate, Antonia Wright, and so many more.

Each year during winningART, resident artists generously donate artwork to be raffled at the pARTy.

This year's event features artwork by 34 resident artists, and raffle tickets are only $20 giving lucky winners the chance to go home with their favorite artwork. Admission to the pARTy is $30 and the $100 VIP Access Pass admits two guests plus five raffle tickets.

The cumulative value of this year's artwork
raffled at winningART exceeds $100,000.

The pARTy includes a silent auction (cooking classes, cruises, vacations, art donated by alumni and more), food, drinks and some of Miami's best entertainment: DJ Mauricio Parra courtesy of MTV andTr3s, performance by VELASQUEZ Matthew Taylor, and more.

HOW winningART WORKS Art lovers and revelers have a chance to win works of art by purchasing $20 raffle tickets towards the specific works of their choice. At evening's end, each of the 34 artworks will have its own individual raffle drawing (which means the odds of winning depend upon how many people purchase raffle tickets for each piece). Even the partygoer that buys just one ticket for a mere $20 could end up walking out of ArtCenter's doors with a real treasure.

All of the works donated by the resident artists are on exhibit at ArtCenter's Richard Shack Gallery at 800 Lincoln Road, starting March 22nd (and will remain on view for the four weeks leading up to the pARTy on Lincoln Road on April 19th).

The collection of works may be viewed
at www.artcentersf.org/winningart//

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS: winningART raffle tickets for each of the 34 artworks are available for purchase now, before the April 19 event, at ArtCenter's reception desk located at 800 Lincoln Road, via phone by calling 305/674-8278, or directly from resident artists. The last chance to purchase raffle tickets will be at the pARTy on Lincoln Road, Saturday night April 19 (raffle ticket sales close at 9pm that evening). Event sponsors include the, Mahou, MG Events, Miami Club Rum, MTV, TR3S and Société Perrier.

"As a recipient of a new James L. Knight Foundation Art Challenge grant, ArtCenter continues to strengthen its residency programs by bringing international artists to Miami while retaining and fostering our local talent," adds Maria del Valle. "During our 30th anniversary year, we celebrate our artistic legacy together with alumni and Miami's arts community, as we propel into a new era, becoming a thriving international hub for the visual arts and contemporary culture."

Located at the cultural epicenter of South Beach's Lincoln Road, ArtCenter/South Florida welcomes more than 100,000 visitors every year.

About ArtCenter/South Florida The cultural epicenter of South Beach's Lincoln Road, ArtCenter/South Florida welcomes more than 100,000 visitors every year and is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2014.

The mission of ArtCenter/South Florida is to support the artists and advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary arts and culture in South Florida. ArtCenter creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation, and encourages the exchange of ideas across cultures through residencies, exhibitions, outreach and education.

Since its founding in 1984, ArtCenter has been home to more than 1,000 resident artists. ArtCenter also offers over 100 studio and artist development classes per year at its South Beach location and satellite venues. More information is available at 305/674-8278 and artcentersf.org.