Be Here Now: Upstate Artists Guild’s Inaugural Gala, 2/25/12

Like so many arts organizations, the Upstate Artists Guild in Albany is having a difficult time weathering the current economic storms.

But that’s no reason not to party.

In fact, it’s the very reason that they’ve decided to throw a party. Yes, the Upstate Artists Guild is throwing its inaugural gala celebration, the Back in the Black Gala, on Saturday (February 25) night. The festivities begin at 6pm; 5pm for the Champagne Preview.

The bash – a critical step towards steadying the nonprofit organization’s income to secure the resources necessary to keep the gallery alive and open – will take place in the newly renovated ballroom of the Normanside Country Club in Delmar. The party will feature music and entertainment, hors d’oevres, station displays, a cash bar, raffles and auctions of art work and gift certificates from local businesses.

Corey Aldrich of 2440 Design Studio will serve as the evening’s emcee, while entertainment will be provided by C. Ryder Cooley, Stompin Jug Ramblers, DJ OFI, Matt Durfee and the Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York.

Among the many artists who have donated artwork to be auctioned off to benefit the UAG are Dorthea Osborne, William Hetzer, Kimberly Marks, Steven Rolf Kroeger, Thomasa D. Nielsen, Gary Masline, John Connors, Mary Fronk, Elizabeth Maloney, Kimberly Schaller, Ami Lahoff, Rebecca Schoonmaker and Nina Stanley.

Black and white attire is encouraged, and tix for the festivities are available at a number of different price levels including Honorary Committee ($100 in advance; $110 at the door); Champagne Preview which starts at 5pm and features a “Buy It Now” option for auction items ($50 in advance; $55); General ($35 in advance; $40 at the door); Couples Discount ($30 each; $60 total in advance); and Donating Artist ($20).

Here’s the schedule of entertainment for the evening:

5-6pm: Champagne preview with the Classical Guitar Society of Upstate New York
6-6:45pm: Acoustic guitar stylings of Matt Durfee
6:30–8pm: DJ OFI; poetry by local poets
8-9:45pm: C. Ryder Cooley and Stompin Jug Ramblers
Auctions close at approximately 8:40pm
9:45–10: DJ OFI