The AEC will host the 10th annual Art.a.ma.jig on Thursday, at Tanner-Hill Gallery, 3069 South Broad St., from 6-8:30 p.m..
The event was established in 2003 as a unique fundraiser for the AEC. It is a celebration of culinary and fine arts with local chefs, artists and community members. Since it first began, Art.a.ma.jig has doubled in the number of participants and has raised over $120,000 for the AEC. It has become a well-known annual event in Chattanooga.
The focus of Art.a.ma.jig is a silent art auction featuring original pieces that were created around the event theme. The event committee – under the leadership of Mary Beth Bode and Kathy Graham, chose the theme “Reveal” because of its broad and creative interpretation. Participating artists received a special scratch-off card “revealing” the theme and pondering all of the different themes and ideas that art can reveal about both the artist and the collector.
Past themes have been Bound, Focus, Reflect, Break, Chance, Fierce, and last year’s theme, Found.
Patrons can bid on over 50 different artists’ work which ranges from paintings to photography to jewelry to furniture, plus much more. All proceeds benefit the AEC.
New this year, in celebration of the event theme “Reveal,” will be a selection of secret auction items, the contents of which will not be “revealed” to the winner until the end of the auction. Bidders will know only the value of the item and the business that donated it.
Artist Harriet Chipley has been a part of Art.a.ma.jig since the beginning and is a proud supporter of the event. “It's an honor to be invited, and I have loved the opportunity to be exhibited alongside my fellow artists in such a professional setting,” she said. “The event is a great fund-raiser for an organization that has meant so much to the growth and development of Chattanooga's cultural life over the years. I hope we can all look forward to another successful and enjoyable evening at this year's Art.a.ma.jig."
Both Chipley and artist Ann Nichols agree that it is a privilege to be asked to participate in the event. Ms. Nichols has been participating in Art.a.ma.jig since 2004 and will be contributing a painting in the event.
“I have participated in Art.a.ma.jig since 2004 and feel it is a wonderful venue to showcase and sell my art,” Ms. Nichols said. “It is an honor to be asked to participate and AEC patrons, as well as those attending, seem to find it a great way to purchase art to add to their collections. Because we artists spend so much time creating in our studios, Art.a.ma.jig gives us a chance to gather with our colleagues and see each other's new directions and discuss our art.”
In addition to the silent art auction, patrons will enjoy the culinary creations of Chef Daniel Lindley, a three-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee and chef at St. John's Restaurant, St. John's Meeting Place and Alleia. As a pioneer of using food from local farms and raising culinary standards in Chattanooga, his menus are known throughout the area for the best ingredients and food preparation.
Local meats, cheeses and breads will be provided by Link 41, Sequatchie Cove Farm and Niedlovs Breadworks. Each dish will be expertly paired with fine wines from Riverside Wine & Spirits in a keepsake wine glass. Whipped Cupcakes will provide dessert.
Art.a.ma.jig 2012 is sponsored in part by Riverside Wine & Spirits, Starkey Printing Company, St. Johns Hospitality Group, Tanner Hill Gallery, First Tennessee Bank, Miller and Martin PLLC, Baker Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, and Coca Cola Bottling Co.
Tickets are $75 per person, and dress is business casual. Tickets are limited and advanced reservations are strongly encouraged. Call the AEC at 267-1218 or register online at www.Artamajig.com.