ASU Art Museum Presents Carnaval do Rio 2007

What
The Arizona State University (ASU) Art Museum presents its first annual Carnaval do Rio, transforming its galleries into a festival setting with live music, gourmet food, specialty drinks, cigar bar and dancing. A highlight of the 2007 Phoenix events calendar, this celebration is a first-of-its-kind fundraising event in support of artists and museum programs. During this special evening, attendees will have a rare opportunity to participate in silent and live auctions of contemporary works by nationally-known as well as regional and local artists including Enrique Chagoya, Sue Chenoweth, Eric Fischl and Tom Otterness.  Auction items will range in value from $25 to $30,000.

Boas, beads, cocktail dresses and tuxedos will be the fashion at this non-traditional fundraiser, and guests may expect to see and be seen among Phoenix’s “who’s who” of guests.  Honorary Carnaval committee members include Stéphane Janssen; Daniel T. Klutznick, Thomas J. Klutznick Company; Kwang-Wu Kim, dean of the Herberger College of Fine Arts; Matt Molina, publisher of Latino Future; Luz Sarmina-Gutierrez, president and CEO, Valle del Sol; Ricardo Torres, CEO of Latino Perspectives, as well as Mikki and Stanley Weithorn.  Also, auction participants will have the rare opportunity to meet the artists that have donated their work, since many will be in attendance.

“We are thrilled that virtually every artist that we contacted agreed with enthusiasm to donate to this event in recognition of our commitment to local and internationally-known artists.  Many of these artists had their first exhibition in the ASU Art Museum and are committed to our cause,” said ASU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator Marilyn Zeitlin.  “The auction will be exciting for everyone from the new art investor to the more serious collector looking to invest in works from up-and-coming and well-known artists at tempting auction prices.” 

Annie Wacker, ASU Art Museum advisory board member, is the Carnaval Chairperson.  Attendance committee members include Arcadia residents Sarah Cohen, Maureen Cohodas, Beth Fillicetti, Kristie Korges, Nancy Lyon, Kim Peterson and Heather Stafford.

“It is inspiring to experience the support for art and cultural awareness from so many community members,” added Zeitlin.  “This will be a night to remember.”

When
Saturday, March 31, 2007 — 7:00 pm to whenever it ends

Where 
ASU Art Museum  
Nelson Fine Arts Center
51 East 10th Street
Southeast corner of Mill Avenue and 10th Street
Tempe, AZ

Tickets
$150 Non Museum Members 
$100 Museum Members
Order online at asuartmuseum.asu.edu or call 480-965-2875

***Advance ticket purchases recommended
***Group rates available

Media Contact:
Nancy Scott Lyon
Oxygen/PR
602.663.7909
nancyscottlyon@yahoo.com