On January 29, 2011, Jef Bond’s Art Party was taken to a whole different level. The event that started out as a house party with a DJ a few years back has progressed to an organized art exhibit and fundraiser at this year’s chosen venue, Vinyl Music Hall. His vision has been clear from day one: to expose the darker, more romantic up and coming talented artists in our community. The concept was to get away from the stigma that traditional art exhibits can be stuffy. It is a way to help people appreciate non-traditional art and have a hell of a good time while doing so.
In August 2008, Jef became sick, causing him to lose clients and not be able to travel as much for work while receiving dialysis three times a week. In October 2009, Jef received a kidney transplant which saved his life but put a strain on his business. He has accrued expenses but was lucky to receive help through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF), which has now become the recipient of funds raised through Art Party until his bills are paid off. Art Party will eventually be able to raise awareness about other worthy causes.
Art Party has evolved to not only raise funds for a non-profit, but also promote local artists and businesses while creating a positive and unique change to the Downtown Pensacola scene. Throughout the night, over 500 people filled Vinyl Music Hall. Some were dressed to the nines in cocktail attire, some wore jeans and t-shirts, others wore costumes with wigs, wings, and more. Artist GwynA.B. even painted artwork on her models, a little risqué surprise that was a big hit with the crowd. The diversity of the artwork and the people in attendance is what made such a big impact. And the end result of raising over $4,500 was the icing on the Oh Snap cupcake!
“We are just now starting to make our break through,” says Jef Bond. “For several years when I thought of ‘Pensacola Art’, I thought of trinkets and beach scenes that are sold at our Arts Festivals and several local galleries. Art Party is here to encourage diversity in our artistic community and to pressure galleries to start accepting works of art geared away from the ‘norm’. With the diversity that Art Party provokes from our artists and local businesses, I plan to see more and more local go getters like myself to help us shut down ‘old money’ mentalities and bring our city of great potential to a happening and openly creative city.”
There were higher end door prizes, eccentric artwork, mobile art, live music from the talented Brooks Hubbert and AnyDayDJ.com, and pixies fluttering around. Culinary Productions, Inc. served up gourmet heavy hors D’oeuvres for the VIPs from 5 – 9pm. There was a silent auction of the artists’ work in which 30% of pieces sold went to NTAF and 70% went to the artist. People were seen dancing and having a good time until 1:30am!
Special thanks goes out to the sponsors, volunteers, and artists for making this event such a huge success. Plans are already in the making for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better without losing sight of Jef’s vision. Throw in a costume contest with a grand prize where everyone is encouraged but not required to dress to impress, think outside the box. Dress as an artist or a piece of art, throw on a wig, think flamboyant and intriguing. Everyone in Pensacola loves to dress up, so here’s an opportunity to be a little wild for the night. Make it phenomenal – it’s an art party, not an art show!
More info will be posted throughout the year. And it’s not too late to make a donation. Contact Jef Bond at 501-1296 or visit http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/06AD4542-B65D-3A91-C5D63C4F18CE3CF9 to make a donation online. Sponsors are being recruited as well as artists. Until next year’s party!
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