Miami is no stranger to the hit-and-run, but only once a year does a commotion like this go down -- one for contemporary art. For the past eight years, the alternative artist space Locust Projects has hosted Smash & Grab. It is the single biggest fund-drive that fuels innovative exhibitions and programs.
Over 100 artists, many of them based locally, will have work up for bidding at a silent auction. There's so much work donated, in fact, that every raffle ticket purchased for the event is guaranteed to secure an artwork. Past artists have included Bhakti Baxter, Carlos Betancourt, Clifton Childree, FriendsWithYou, and Kyle Trowbridge. Every year, it seems that the excitement gets bigger and the art gets even better. And what better time than now to engage new collectors and enthusiasts as Art Basel Miami Beach peeks around the corner in less than five weeks.
"Locust Projects is a vital institution in our community," says director
Chana Budgazad-Sheldon. "This event is a fun way to support our
exhibitions and mingle with the fantastic artists and art patrons of
Miami."
So how do you get in on this mayhem? A single ticket costs $50 and $425
guarantees entry for two plus an original artwork. The first to have
their raffle ticket called that evening gets first choice of any artwork
in the pool, the second raffle ticket called comes afterwards, etc.
While this might appear to be a fast-paced sale of local, national, and
internationally-acclaimed artists, it's also a chance for guests to be an
integral part of the contemporary art community in Miami as donors and
developing collectors.
Keep in mind that Locust has already scored
funding from the Andy Warhol Foundation and Miami's beloved John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, so having something on your wall from
this gig would be no small affair. Black ski masks and gloves
optional, but don't miss out on the thrill of the contemporary art
chase.
On November 6, the eighth annual Smash & Grab Fall Fundraiser Event runs
from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. with the silent auction starting exactly at 7:30 p.m.
Locust Projects is the unmistakable purple building on 155 NE 38th Street,
Suite 100, in the Design District. Call 305-576-8570, email
[email protected], or visit locustprojects.org.
