Media Contact:
Phil Meade
External Relations Manager
phil@uica.org
616-454-7000 x19
UICA Unveils ArtPrize Exhibits and 4th and 5th Floors at "The Odd Ball" Event on September 18!
Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 21, 2012 – Following its wildly successful debut last season, September 18 marks the return of the Odd Ball, the signature annual event of the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA). The event, which takes place from 7-11 PM, will be packed with edgy, extraordinary electrifying contemporary art and performances like only UICA does. Odd Ball attendees will be the first to view UICA’s 2012 ArtPrize exhibitions – one day before the public opening.
Also, for the first time ever, UICA will reveal its brand-new 4th and 5th floors! Only Odd Ball guests are eligible for these exclusive sneak peeks. Odd Ball guests will also encounter artful food, exciting performances and an open bar throughout the UICA gallery spaces, where anything can happen. This year’s Odd Ball theme is “alien chic” and guests are encouraged to dress up in funky and fabulous attire for this most important, not-to-be-missed event of the season.
In 2012, UICA is introducing a new Super Odd Ball Ticket, a premium ticket that includes an exclusive pre-event VIP cocktail reception, gallery tour with ArtPrize artists, access to UICA’s Cooling Lounge for the duration of ArtPrize, and a VIP bus tour of the ArtPrize Top 10 in October. Quantities are limited. Details are below.
Tickets can be purchased online at theoddball.eventbrite.com or by calling 616-454-7000. Space is limited, advance tickets recommended.
Performances by
DJ Matt House
Wellspring Dancers
more to come!
Food and Beverage by
Amway
San Chez
Bar Divani
The Cakabakery
more to come!
Tickets $149 | UICA Members $129
Super Odd Ball Tickets $249
To purchase tickets, visit theoddball.eventbrite.com
Super Odd Ball guests will enjoy:
• Exclusive reception before the Odd Ball from 6–7 PM.
• A guided tour of UICA’s ArtPrize exhibitions – be the first of the first to see the potentially award-winning pieces.
• Exclusive pass to UICA’s ‘Cooling Lounge,’ a great escape from the crowds, a place to rest your feet and enjoy light refreshments during the two-and-a-half weeks of ArtPrize.
• Exclusive guided tour with VIP transportation around Grand Rapids with other UICA supporters. Visit all Top Ten ArtPrize pieces on Tuesday, October 2, during Round Two of voting.
Opening to the public for the first time, during the Odd Ball, UICA's brand new 4th and 5th floors feature 6,000 sq. ft. of gallery space and a 4,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace. These spaces allow UICA to present an even more dynamic array of contemporary art, new media, and experimental design/architecture projects.
Celebrating its 35th year as a contemporary arts organization in a beautiful new LEED-certified building on the busiest intersection in Grand Rapids, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts initiates conversation with cutting-edge visual art, film, performance, literature, music, education programs and events. Partnering with regional, national, and international artists, the UICA offers innovative experiences with the latest art forms and the newest creative ideas - groundbreaking work that might not otherwise find a venue in Michigan.
