LIve Coverage/UICA
LIve Coverage/UICA
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The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) announced a list of participating artists, live entertainment, and bidding upgrades for the 2015 event presented by Wolverine World Wide. UICA’s centerpiece fundraising event happens on May 16, and the proceeds support UICA’s Artworks summer program for teens, community programs, and exhibitions year-round.

Live Coverage presented by Wolverine Worldwide is a party, a silent auction, and the liveliest of live auctions, all rolled into one. It's also UICA's annual centerpiece fundraising event.

Live Coverage/UICA
Live Coverage/UICA
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Over 40 local and regional artists will be participating in this year’s live and silent auctions. Guests can get a behind the scenes look at the creative process of a diverse group of talented working artists and have the opportunity to bid on the artwork created that night, as well as purchase completed pieces in a unique silent auction. A variety of mediums are represented in the work included in this year’s fundraiser including painting, photography, illustration, jewelry design, and 3-D art. Participating artists will donate 70% of the proceeds from the sale of their work to support UICA. Artists’ participation in Live Coverage is supported by Steelcase.

Many of the artists participating in this year’s event are returning guests. Rick Beerhorst, a local artist who is also on this year’s Live Coverage Host Committee, has been participating in the event for several years.

Live Coverage/UICA
Live Coverage/UICA
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While guests can watch artists create artwork on site, entertainment will also be featured the evening of May 16. AOK, a high-energy pop electronic duo from Grand Rapids will be performing live. AOK features R&B vocals, a synth backdrop, and fuzzy guitar. From 7 pm – 10:30 pm, during the silent auction presented by CWD Real Estate Investment, guests have the opportunity to bid on a private backyard performance by AOK as well as lots of experience-based packages.

To round out the evening, UICA has also lined up the Detroit based performance group, We Draw Together, who will be on site during Live Coverage. The collaborative art duo made up of Natalie Berry and Trevor Stone promises with a unique blend of comedic spectacle and audience participation. The evening will also include a cash bar and delicious food by Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

This year, UICA introduces mobile bidding to the fundraising event to make bidding on artwork simple. With mobile bidding, guests are able to easily attain a bidding number, bid on their favorite artworks during the live and silent auctions, and monitor their account. Mobile bidding works on any phone as long as it can be connected to the Internet.
UICA staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist guests looking for more information about how to get started.

Live Coverage/UICA
Live Coverage/UICA
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An additional component to the auction includes the opportunity for guests to raise a paddle for UICA’s ArtWorks program. ArtWorks is a five-week art and design educational experience designed for teens ages 14 – 18 that encompasses student mentorships, job training, and hands-on art, design, and installation work. Guests can raise a paddle to donate to the Artworks summer program and can use mobile bidding technology to watch as their contributions help UICA reach its fundraising goal.

This popular fundraising event sold out last year, so the 'word to the wise' is, get your tickets now!

Tickets are on sale now and include fine food, self-parking in the Gallery parking ramp, entertainment, and one free drink. Members receive a special discount on tickets as well as exclusive member benefits year-round. To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite or stop by the UICA Gift Shop during regular gallery hours. For information about memberships and to join UICA, visit uica.org.

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