Champagne will be flowing with art on display this weekend to benefit a very worthy cause in Las Vegas. The ninth annual Paint the Town event takes place inside Zappos’ downtown headquarters this Friday, January 19. Money raised will benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).
“It’s an annual one-evening-only pop-up fine art exhibit where philanthropists, artists and people who love art come together to celebrate and give back to the community,” says AFAN Executive Director Antioco Carrillo.
General admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door with entry 7-9 p.m. VIP admission is $50 and includes a champagne reception at 6 p.m. with an early opportunity to buy paintings, sculptures and other pieces on display. Ticket prices will be applied as credit toward any art purchase with a value greater than $250. Wine, beer and cocktails will be served by Back Bar USA along with tray-passed appetizers.
“It’s an atmosphere that’s fun and engaging. Guests have the opportunity to see and bid on art with other people who share the same same passion,” says Carrillo. “At same time, they’re helping a charity.”
AFAN has been serving those struggling with HIV and AIDS since 1984. Services are numerous, ranging from food, housing and medical assistance to psychotherapy or dietician sessions. AFAN also offers free HIV testing to anyone by appointment. Other services include a housing project to help the working poor with shelter and part-time employment as a way to retain their dignity while living with HIV.
“We have an average of 13 to 15-hundred clients we see on a yearly basis,” says Carrillo. “Every event we have is crucial for us to maintain services and expand them for people with HIV.”
Paint the Town also shines a spotlight on local Las Vegas artists, allowing them to showcase their work before an eager audience. “We support the community of artists locally and they support us back,” notes Carrillo.
Paint the Town originally began on a smaller scale in the law offices of Snell & Wilmer, who continue to sponsor and support the event to this day. As Paint the Town grows in stature with each passing year, Zappos has been quick to step in and offer additional support.
“They’re fantastic,” says Carrillo. “It shows their philanthropic side. They’ve been very flexible and eager to partner with us and the artists to ensure we create a sense of community.”
If you can’t make the event, AFAN still has you covered. A mobile app allows users to bid on the art from any location. Learn more about Paint the Town and AFAN’s ongoing efforts by visiting their website today.
Photo Credit: Casey Jade
