PICA Salon Vernissage Set for Today at Westend GAllery

The Perth Institute of Contemporary Art (PICA) is preparing for the most anticipated event in the Perth arts calendar, the spectacular PICA Salon Vernissage, an exclusive soiree set to take place in PICA?s Westend Gallery today 20 July 2013.

The PICA Salon Vernissage is the opening night celebration of PICA Salon, an annual exhibition featuring a curated selection of artworks for sale by some of WA's best local, national and international contemporary artists. The Vernissage this year will transform PICA's Westend Gallery as never before, with a new surprise design element, further enhanced by sounds from local music wunderkinds Lyndon Blue and Kynan Tan, exquisite cocktails, canapés and of course, company.

PICA Salon 2013 celebrates the stellar history of Perth?s leading contemporary arts organisation by showcasing artists who have exhibited at PICA over the last 24 years. Unlike traditional fundraising events, all proceeds from the sale of artworks go directly to the artists.

The auction items this year include two unique works, one by Jeppe Hein, remembered for his stunning outdoor installation in 2010, Appearing Rooms, which is now a permanent fixture after the City of Perth commissioned a special version for Forrest Place! For PICA Salon, Jeppe has produced a new neon work, referencing his current interest in the notion of happiness. The second work is by Queensland artist Ross Manning, who featured in the VOLUMES exhibition as part of this year's Perth Festival. It is a stunning kinetic sculpture, the last available edition of its kind. A third, special item will also be revealed on the night!

Since its inception in 2010, the PICA Salon Vernissage has firmly developed a reputation for being one of Perth?s most sophisticated events. It promises to be a dazzling evening of art, fashion, music and performance and invitations are available exclusively to ART1000 donors.

"The Salon Vernissage has made a lasting impression on our loyal and growing circle of donors and Perth audiences are becoming attracted to the event, as well as cognisant of its purpose. This year we are restyling the Salon for an entirely different look, one that is both dramatic and intimate. The Vernissage is the perfect combination of glamour and celebration and the best excuse to wear that killer outfit and party with artists, musicians, fellow arts enthusiasts and business-world colleagues. It's a double-win scenario for those who make the choice to donate, not only can they come along to the PICA Salon Vernissage but their contribution also supports the future of WA's leading centre for contemporary arts." said PICA Director, Amy Barrett-Lennard.

This year's event will see the launch of the inaugural PICA Edition, a specially commissioned, limited edition artwork by celebrated WA artist Rebecca Baumann.Guests at the PICA Salon Vernissage will be the first in Perth to have the chance to purchase this piece of Australian art history, created by one of the country's most highly sought after artists.

"She is, in the parlance, 'hot', and for very good reason. As well as being conceptually rigorous and intellectually robust, her work is also joyous and engaging, the kind of work that lifts your spirit, and that's not all that common" said Ted Snell, Scoop Magazine

Tickets to the PICA Salon Vernisssage are reserved exclusively for PICA's ART1000 and ART 5000 donors and limited places remain for the 2013 Vernissage.

ART1000 is not just a clever name. A donation of $1000 or more secures art lovers a place in the annual program, invitations to unique events, advance access to Salon artworks as well as the opportunity to purchase the specially commissioned PICA Edition.

ART1000 donations in 2013 will allow PICA to support the development of exciting new dance, theatre, visual arts and inter-disciplinary works by some of WA's most talented and thought-provoking artists. It will give these artists the all too precious but utterly necessary time, space and expertise to take risks, break new ground and forge unique artistic practices.

Artwork by CJ Taylor, Courtesy of PICA