stART: a benefit for Avenue for the Arts
September 21
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Located at Sanchez, a Tapas Bistro
Tickets now available: avenueforthearts.com/start/
/Courtesy of Avenue for the Arts
/Courtesy of Avenue for the Arts
It's easy to see that the art community in downtown Grand Rapids is quickly expanding. Events like Art.Downtown., First Fridays, and ArtPrize have captured the attention of people from near and far to visit downtown and experience art. As attendance and foot traffic increases, businesses and restaurants have noticed the importance of a vibrant and active art community and how art events bring people through their doors.
The staff at San Chez, a Tapas Bistro have experienced that impact first hand and have decided to show their appreciation by hosting an annual fundraising event for a local arts related nonprofit. With many creative employees on staff, they decided that Avenue for the Arts was the perfect recipient to receive their support. Annie DeYoung is a former employee at San Chez who understands the importance of helping to fund Avenue for the Arts.
“Supporting the Avenue for the Arts helps the arts stay alive and prevalent year round, as well as brings the community together to learn about art and build a thriving and exciting city to live in,” says DeYoung.
On September 21 from 5-9 p.m., San Chez is showing their appreciation for the fun and lively events by Avenue for the Arts by hosting an event in the same spirit. stART: a benefit for Avenue for the Arts is offering a sneak peak of their Art Prize exhibition. In this celebration of art, San Chez is transforming into a lively street fair packed with art vendors and great music. The one night event will feature an auction, food and drink demonstrations and a chance to meet national and local artists.
Booths will feature vendors from the Market presented by Avenue for that Arts with everything from handmade goods to clothing to paintings. San Chez is serving their signature cocktails and select tapas as well as offering interactive mixology, cooking and artists' demonstrations.
In addition to all of the fun that will take place at San Chez, the money that is raised will help Avenue for the Arts host fun events year round.
“stART is a great way to kickstart the ArtPrize season. More importantly it's a phenomenal way to support our local arts community who consist of not only creators but residents, students and volunteers, along with many others passionate about this community,” DeYoung says.
The Avenue for the Arts is a program facilitated by Dwelling Place. General admission tickets are available online today for $10, with VIP tickets are available for $65. For more information, to order tickets by phone and for event sponsorship opportunities, please call Dwelling Place at 454-0928.
The Avenue for the Arts is a neighborhood title for the South Division commercial corridor. We are residential, commercial and nonprofit groups working together in a creative community. We are residents in Heartside, and active participants in shaping change in our neighborhood. In 2005, we choose the Avenue for the Arts as a title to represent our commercial corridor and the projects and events that we create. Because the Avenue is powered by volunteers guest writers create our Rapidian content. Special thanks to Leah Burke, Avenue member and writer for her coverage of "The Market on First Fridays."
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