An Evening at the Factory
By Liz Damrell
Think unique original artwork, decadent desserts, and spirits from KY vineyards and distilleries, together in an unexpected setting.
The 18th Annual HíArtful of Fun is being held Saturday, February 16 by The Living Arts & Science Center (LASC) to celebrate their 40th year with An Evening at the Factory, taking you back to the days of 1960ís-70ís pop artist Andy Warholís famous New York City Studio. Live and silent auctions will feature original artwork, jewelry, and a golf outing with National Football League star Dermonti Dawson. Desserts and other specialties by Jonathanís, Portofinoís, Holly Hill Inn, Wallace Station, a la lucie, Belleís Bakery, CafÈ on the Park, Valentineís Gourmet Ice Cream, Annetteís Catering, Selmaís Catering, Turf Catering, and Bayou Bluegrass Catering are included, along with Bourbon and wine tastings by Four Roses Distillery, Wine Select of KY, Chrisman Mill, Talon Vineyard, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Big Ass Fans is hosting the event at their factory at 2424 Merchant St., Lexington. Tickets are $50 in advance (get them at any Fifth Third Bank), and $75 at the door. Area supporters also include Quantrell Cadillac, National City, Chase, Keeneland, S&S Tire, Four Roses, and Ball Homes.
A preview of the original artwork to be auctioned is at LASCís Gloria Singletary Gallery at 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd., where you can buy artwork straight from the gallery without waiting for the auction bidding wars. The ìBuy It Nowî feature, with a $300 purchase, gets you a free ticket to HíArtful of Fun.
Of special noteññthe silent art auction will include 16 original abstract prints from the work of famous Latin American painter, sculptor and printmaker Rudolfo (Rudy) Ayoroa (1927-2003), donated by Danville dentist and art collector, Dr. Jack Hankla. The internationally known artist was born in Bolivia, moved to Washington D.C., and later lived for 20 years in Danville, KY. His work is at the Smithsonian Instituteís Museum of American Art, the Library of Congress, the National Museum of American Art, and the Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. Ayoroa is also known for work depicting major Kentucky Civil War figures and scenes, from John Hunt Morgan to the Battle of Perryville.
Other artistsí work will be displayed and auctioned, including more traditional media such as figurative oil paintings by Sharon Weis of Louisville, pastel on paper by Marianna McDonald, a fused glass vessel by Dan Neil Barnes, mixed-media works by Jim Brancaccio and Kathleen OíBrien, photography by Bruce Frank, a framed fiber bowl by artist Justine Dennis, and a mixed-media piece incorporating studio fragments and plastic by Louisville artist Keith Linton. Creative craft and functional items will also be auctioned, including batik pillows by Lucinda Alston Chapman, quilted evening bags by Jean Porter, and a woven leather basket by Ken Guyer (owner of the Last Genuine Leather Co.
Artists will be at work at the factory; film screenings will be shown; pictures of the ìstarsî at the event will be taken. Champagne is included, a time capsule will be given away, and the bands, Fazed Cookies and Mick Jeffries Laptop Lounge will perform.
Gloria Singletary, a member of LASCís Board of Directors and active supporter for 38 years, is the 2008 Honorary Chair.
Created as a non-profit in 1968, LASC has a mission to provide opportunities for exploration and education in the arts and sciences, and local artists and collectors have contributed artwork in support of programs that reach 35,000 children and adults.
LASC is also supporting artists by returning a portion of the auction proceeds to those who have donated their work.
The HíArtful of Fun: An Evening at the Factoryññas a tribute to the visual arts, the 40th year celebration of the Living Arts and Science Center, and the artists who make the event possibleññsupports the classes, workshops, art displays, Discovery exhibit, field trips, special needs classes, community arts, and school programs.
The Celebration is from 7:00ñ11:00 p.m. at the Big Ass Fans Factory, 2424 Merchant St., Lexington. For more info call Stacey Chinn, LASCís Gallery Director, 859-252-5222, or go to www.lasc.org.
