Art Party VIII

Not since the Art Against AIDS fundraisers that used to take place a few years back when the Bayfront Auditorium was still around, have I been inspired to get some friends together and dress up for a really fun artsy party that made you think outside the box. Then I met Jef Bond, an artist and photographer who took an idea for a really cool and unique party and has turned it into a big event for artists and businesses in our area, all while raising money and awareness for a non-profit organization that has helped save his life.

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!

Dinner Party Chic

Throwing your own dinner party can be lots of fun, with just a few good friends in an intimate setting or a larger dinner soiree that’s more like a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres.  It all depends on the size of your house or apartment, the time you can put into it, and of course your budget. 

Picking the date is your first step.  Mark the date on your calendar and make your to-do list to get the ball rolling.  Get creative with the season - March is a great time of year, with springtime and cool evenings where you can utilize your back deck or porch if you have one.

Next, invite your guests whether it’s online or through the mail.  Create an event page on Facebook (be sure to check your settings to keep your page private).  Not into Facebook?  Great websites like www.evite.com let you design your own custom electronic invite.  But there’s nothing more exciting than receiving a lovely invitation in the mail to be a guest at a party, especially when you plan events all the time! 

Got time?  Get creative.  Make your own invites using cardstock, pressed flowers, and other crafty items around the house.  Order posh invites online at websites like www.tinyprints.com, where invites are as low as $.99 each (you can upload pictures or logos for a more personal touch).  Got a bigger budget?  Visit Sassafras Stationary & Gifts and help support your local business.  From simple to elegant, their design team can help you create your one-of-a-kind invitation and even save you money by having them design the invite for you to print on your own computer.

Once you get your RSVP’s back, be sure to check with your guests to see if there are any allergies, vegetarian or vegan needs, or gluten-free requirements for your guests.  You want to make sure your menu will accommodate and appease everyone’s appetites.

If you’re on a budget, keep it simple - don’t get overwhelmed with in-depth recipes.  Make cucumber cups or homemade bruschetta.  Pick up ready-made items like chipotle and rosemary spiced almonds from the Wine World Wine Bar.  Make Asian coleslaw with pre-shredded cabbage and Mike’s Asian Ginger Dressing from the Apple Market.  Add fresh basil to pre-made chicken salad from City Grocery.  Order fresh sushi from Joe Patti’s or Publix (be sure to call ahead so you don’t have to wait).  Use nice serving pieces to serve your food.

Invest in a covered fire pit for your back yard or deck or borrow one from a friend.  Guests can make their own smores for dessert anytime of the year.  Have baskets laid out with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate with skewers for each guest to roast their own marshmallows.  The cozy fire will create warmth and ambiance and most likely stir up conversations about their favorite camping trips. 

Keep your bar simple and in a central location.  Limit it to premium beer, wine, a signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks.  Take your menu to your local wine shop – it’s their job to pick out good bottles of wine to fit your budget.  Tell them what you usually get and let them know you want to get something different that will be nice for your guests.  Anna’s Wine Shop, Artesana Fine Wines, and Aragon Wine Market are just a few good places to try that also offer wine tastings.

An added touch would be to have a signature cocktail, like a watermelon mojito that’s refreshing or chocolate martini that can also serve as dessert.  Have some wine charms laid out for your guests to adorn their wine glasses.  Get cute beverage naps with funny sayings.

Before you decorate, you want to make sure your house is clean.  Use all natural products like Method brand (found at Target) that will keep your house smelling so lovely without the use of chemicals. 

For décor, simple elegance can be classy.  Utilize what you already have at home to help save money.  Strands of white lights leftover from Christmas can be strung on your back porch for extra ambiance.  Use vintage candles and white votives for simplicity.  Gather and clean old vases to create your own centerpieces.

Stock up on supplies like mason jars, vases, and decorative napkins at Dollar Tree that you can reuse.  Joann’s Fabrics has a great selection of materials and always has coupons online.  Darker linens used on tables can be brightened with simple floral centerpieces and lots of votives.  Pick fresh flowers from your garden.  Cut greenery from your yard that can be used as filler in your vases.  Pick up some colorful Gerber Daisies at the grocery store and make your own simple arrangements which help create a shabby sheek look.

Last but not least, pick some great background music with an ipod station, cd player, or satellite radio station on TV to help complete your very own dinner party.  When it’s all over and done, be sure to celebrate with a glass of champagne!

I would like to thank friends and culinary experts Laura Dees of Soiree Catering & Events and Mike DeSorbo of Culinary Productions for their help with this article!