Dan Aykroyd, Carol Burnett, Ruth Buzzi, Kent Perkins, Jane Seymour and others have created works for a Celebrity Artist Gallery in the “8x8 Art Exhibition and Auction” at the Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Art lovers can bid on miniature works of art from these celebrities and regional and international gallery artists. The event’s Texas-casual theme features a country swing band, BBQ, wine pull and mini-sized art perfect for Christmas or Hanukkah gifting.
Comedian, Ruth Buzzi, and her husband, actor Kent Perkins, who participate each year with their paintings, have personally invited friends from across the television, film and music industries to join them in creating original artwork for this year’s Celebrity Artist Gallery. Works have come in from Carol Burnett, Lilly Tomlin, Jane Seymour; her son, Sean Michael Flynn; Kris Kristofferson, Anne Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Barbara Mandrell, Ruta Lee, and Jo Anne Worley.
International and regional gallery artists are sharing their talents—Alvar Sunol, George Tobolowsky, Henrietta and Rome Milan, KAT, Johannes Boekhoudt, Dick Davison, Katrina Dorin, Robert Fobear, Jeffrey Miranda, Jeanette Korab, Shayema Rahim, Mary Tomas, John Collier, Veronique Jonas, John R. Mittelstadt, Kathleen Mekailek, Nan Phillips, Don Sahli, Jamie Weisbrod, Jeffrey Brosk, Maria Sheets, Ara Dona, and Fred Villanueva.
The event draws its name from the small works of art, each measuring only 8 inches by 8 inches, which this year will include a wide variety of paintings, sculpture, glass, photography and works on paper. Over 100 artists will participate with the starting bid at only $100. Pieces are valued between $400-$5,000 retail and many of the artists will be on site to meet guests and potential bidders.
The intriguing theme of 8 x 8 came from Jeff Levine, who created the event in 2010. He said, “The number 8 is a symbol for the Hebrew word for life, which is Chai,” said Levine. “So, 8 x 8 is a double portion of life or a doubly-blessed life.” According to Scott Peck, MBA Curator and Director, “This annual event raises funds for all our educational programs throughout the year – field trips, Summer Art Camp for Kids, Heroes of History Field Trips, and special workshops we offer for both kids and adults. It’s a great opportunity to see the museum, learn about emerging contemporary artists and possibly purchase some fine art at reasonable prices – due to the low starting bids.”
Jeff Levine, ModernDallas.net, and Bob Malenfant, Southwest Gallery, are Co-Chairs for this year’s event. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased online at www.biblicalarts.org or at the door. RSVP to 214-368-4622 or patricia@biblicalarts.org.