Artistic Assistance

"When Art for AIDS started back in '86, HIV and AIDS were just ravaging our community, especially the gay community," says Michael Lee, director of communication for the Colorado AIDS Project. "At that time, the community had no idea what they were dealing with, really. So people started looking for something to do to help, and this came out of that need to do something."

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More About

• Michael Lee
• Michael Paglia
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Sexual and Reproductive Health

Since then, CAP's Art for AIDS Fine and Decorative Art Auction — now in its twentieth year — has raised almost $1.4 million, a sum it uses to assist nearly 2,000 clients living with HIV and AIDS each year. This year's silent and live auctions feature some 350 pieces of art submitted by professional and emerging artists and selected by local curators (including Westword art critic Michael Paglia). Auctioneer Gary Corbett will entertain and collect bids while free apps and a cash bar keep the generosity flowing.

"I think sometimes people have this notion of auctions as stuffy or about wearing white gloves," Lee says. "And sometimes art auctions feel like they're thrown together at the last minute, but this certainly isn't the case here. A lot of thought and attention has been paid to different mediums to make sure the art is representative of the high quality our community creates. And it's a very social atmosphere. It's a party."

The doors at Mile High Station, 2027 West Colfax Avenue, open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door. A special VIP package, which includes a private reception, is available for $125. Get information and purchase tickets at www.art4aids.com or 303-837-0166.
Sat., June 2, 7 p.m.