Pro Arts 35th Anniversary Party (Click image to view larger)

Pro Arts announces its 35th Anniversary Party/ Box Art Exhibition & Benefit Auction, Saturday, November 7, 2009, 6:00 - 9:00 PM. The event celebrates Pro Arts’ rich history serving regional artists and public audiences, and showcases over 80 original artworks created by artists throughout the greater Bay Area.

HISTORY:
Pro Arts was founded in 1974 as the Alameda County Neighborhood Arts Program (ACNAP). The organization became a national proponent of making use of CETA funds to fund artists and arts projects. The organization provided job development and training to artists utilizing Title 1 funding through government agencies. By the late 1970s the organization shifted its focus to public service and provided stipends to artists for conducting workshops, producing installations, and performances. By 1980 the organization was renamed Pro Arts and an emphasis on visual arts and exhibitions became the cornerstone of programming.

EVENT:
Pro Arts’ 35th Anniversary Party is free to the public, and includes both a live and silent auction supporting Pro Arts’ Youth Fellows Initiative and annual programs. Artists were invited to create new works with found materials that reflect their own artistic practice. The materials for this year’s Box Art are recycled wooden cubes cut from 6” x 6” wooden beams provided by The ReUse People (TRP). This event highlights the diversity and creativity of Bay Area artists - with sculptors, painters, photographers, printmakers and others all adapting their work to a 6” wooden cube.

In addition to great art, Box Art 2009 also features seasonal foods from the nearby Franklin Wine Bar, beer, wine, music and “Community Collaborations” – pieces created by families, community members and artist of all ages. All silent auction works have a starting bid of $50. Find great buys, add wonderful works of art to your collection, and support the sustainability of regional arts!

Proceeds support the Youth Fellows Initiative, a program that supports the artistic development and artistic practice of Oakland’s next generation of artists. More information and images are available upon request.

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