The Alabama Art Kitchen, an art collective that offers local artists workspace and equipment, will host its second fundraiser on Friday and Saturday nights.
Money raised by the weekend’s fundraising events will benefit the Alabama Art Kitchen. They hope to raise enough money to move and pay rent in a new space. They also hope to raise enough money to sponsor some memberships.
Money will be raised through a silent art auction that will include paintings, photographs and other visual art from artists Aynslee Moon, Jim Morrison and others. The silent auction will begin Friday night at 6 p.m. and will end at 9. Guests can view the auction pieces tonight at the Art Kitchen’s art night.
Beginning almost two years ago as a hub for the artistic community in Tuscaloosa, the Art Kitchen offers members equipment and shared space to work in, as well as the opportunity to interact with other artists and the community.
Art Kitchen director Claire Siepser said it is important for artists to be able to work and connect with others through their art.
“For artists who are makers of things, to have other people to talk with about your work or what you’re doing or to collaborate with is really important,” Siepser said. “It’s hard to make work on an island, and if you’re not connected with other people, then why are you even making work?”
For those who wish to become a member of the Art Kitchen, memberships are available between $20 and $100, and members receive access to studios, discounts on class rates and the chance to work collaboratively with other members. The Art Kitchen also offers supporting memberships which fund exhibits, lectures and classes. Supporting members receive invitations to all Art Kitchen events and a special item created at the Art Kitchen.
The Art Kitchen offers more than just space and equipment. They host events, classes and workshops to promote the art community in Tuscaloosa. Past events include a jazz performance, art shows and a pumpkin-carving contest in collaboration with Homegrown Alabama. They also host a weekly craft night and regular yoga classes.
The Art Kitchen’s fundraiser will also include a party at Green Bar on Saturday at 7 p.m. Green Bar, usually open to ages 21 and older, will admit ages 19 and older for the party. The cover charge is a donation that will benefit the Art Kitchen. Green Bar will host Birmingham’s The Great American Breakdown and Tuscaloosa’s own Piss Shivers.
In addition to the live music, Saturday’s fundraiser will also offer live screen-printing at the party. Guests can bring T-shirts, bags or whatever item they want to have screen-printed for a $1-2 donation, and the Art Kitchen may have cloth patches available for screen-printing.
At the party, there will be a second silent auction of items, such as gift certificates from local vendors, homemade bread and a pet portrait session offered by one of the members of the Art Kitchen. Guests can also win door prizes, such as Art Kitchen T-shirts, as well as raffle for a membership.
For more information about events, memberships and classes, visit alabamaartkitchen.com.
