Something odd, indeed, is happening. It's the UICA’s OddBall, presented by Law Weathers Attorneys and Counselors, on September 13, 2014 at 7pm. This is UICA’s signature fall gala, now in its fourth year, kicking off the contemporary arts season in West Michigan with a lively party celebrating UICA’s ArtPrize exhibition Collaboration. UICA's sponsors, friends, and fans will come together to raise funds for its year-round exhibitions and events. Many of the artists representing twenty collaborative ArtPrize entries will be at there with their works, including GR Makers, Aaron Nemec, the Actors’ Theatre, and Micah Silver with the Grand Rapids Symphony. The art installations, decor, entertainment, food and drink will happen on all four floors of UICA's building at 2 Fulton West.

The theme for the evening is Lux, and UICA’s Events Coordinator Taylor Greenfield is creating an indoor/outdoor modern garden party, complete with paper gardens, sweet décor from the Cakabakery, and take-home photos by Grand Rapids Photo Booth Co. “We want guests to feel like they’re in a surreal art garden that’s not quite of today, and not quite in Grand Rapids,” said Greenfield. Because OddBall is known for inspiring fanciful dress by committed partygoers, Taylor said, “The combination of the art in the space, décor, and entertainment will be a great backdrop to the creativity of our guests.”

Guests can explore the UICA galleries and meet the Collaboration artists while enjoying appetizers, small plates, and desserts from Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. San Chez Bistro will serve a signature cocktail, Basil in the Moonlight, and there will be a cash bar with beer and wine as well. One drink is included in the admission price, along with food and complimentary Boxed Water.

CWD Real Estate Investment is presenting the evening’s entertainment. At the beginning of the evening, Juliana Nahas-Viilio presents pop and rock songs on the harp, and later on Michael Schaeffer will stroll the party playing romantic songs on the accordion. Schaeffer plays regularly with the Wealthy Orphans, a band that includes Rick Beerhorst, who will be on hand with his painting City as Muse.

Headlining the night at 9 pm is Michigan-born producer and DJ SuperDre, whose unique mix of minimal techno, electro, and retro earned her the accolades as one of the “Top 10 Most Influential” electronic artists in the region.

The OddBall will be the debut of UICA’s new Loft space on the 5th floor, a hospitality and meeting space that is furnished by Herman Miller. Scott Group Custom Carpets collaborated on a rug with artist Tony Ellis that will anchor the Loft space once the piece has served as Ellis’ ArtPrize entry.

Guests will leave with a selection of gifts from 14 local vendors that were curated by Boxed GR.

Tickets for the evening, proceeds of which raise funds for UICA’s year-round contemporary arts exhibitions and events, are $125.03, and $98.89 for UICA members. Guests can become a member at www.uica.org/join. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged due to the limited number available. Tickets can be purchased at oddball2014.eventbrite.com. Complimentary self-parking will be available the City of Grand Rapids’ Gallery parking lot.

More From 100.5 FM The River