Art Heist is EASL’s main fundraiser and party for 2006, providing the organization with the money it will use to distribute grants to artists in need. North Texas artists have been invited to donate artwork to be “raffled.” Works of art are displayed and “stolen” at the event. Art Heist is being held at South Side on Lamar, 1409 South Lamar Street, just south of downtown Dallas on September 30, 2006 from 6-10 pm. The evening includes a cash bar, food, and art to “heist” by 150 professional artists. Guests will watch with anticipation as patrons “steal” an art treasure and join in the Art Loot grab bag game.

A $200 ticket provides entry for two, four drinks, free valet parking, and the opportunity to “be a thief.” Guests with these tickets are guaranteed an original piece of art. The Art Heist works similarly to a raffle. Ticket numbers are drawn at random, and when a number is called, the ticket holder has one minute to select the artwork of their choice. “Witness” tickets providing general admission are $25 and include two drinks as well as valet parking. In addition to the main display of artwork, Art Loot bags—small artworks, books, studio “stuff” and more—are available to buy grab-bag style. Artists have filled plastic bags with the “loot” of their choice, and for $20, guests can purchase a grab bag of Art Loot.

Artwork for Art Heist is donated by many prominent artists including Frances Bagley, Scott Barber, Bill Barter, Daniel Blagg, Kathy Boortz, Steve Cruz, Ann Ekstrom, Nancy Ferro, Chris Fulmer, Linnea Glatt, Susan Kae Grant, Paul A. Greenberg, John Hartley, Tracy Hicks, Cindi Holt, Anita Horton, Val Hunnicutt, Marilyn Jolly, Arthur Koch, Jeanne Koch, Julie Lazarus, Carolyn McAdams, Pamela Nelson, Sherry Owens, John Pomara, Raymond Rains, Marty Ray, Richard Ray, Johnny Robertson, Bert Scherbarth, Art Shirer, Allison V. Smith, Pam Summers, Lorraine Tady, Frank X. Tolbert, Ellen Tuchman, James Watral, Danny Williams, Joan Winter, Betty Faye Winton, Dee Wolff, and Marla Ziegler.

Tickets may be purchased at William Campbell Contemporary Art in Fort Worth, or Craighead Green Gallery, Conduit Gallery, and Barry Whistler Gallery in Dallas. Tickets are also available from any Steering Committee member or Event Consultant. Art Heist is partially sponsored by Corporate Business Solutions, Scott Oldner Lighting Design, North Lake College Art Club and others.

EASL is a volunteer committee, founded in 1992, that seeks to raise and distribute funds to artists in need. The committee provides emergency financial assistance to visual artists and art professionals throughout North Texas during times of unforeseen medical emergency or dire temporary distress by awarding monetary grants. EASL also helps artists negotiate their medical bills. All funds are distributed confidentially, as EASL strives to maintain the artists’ anonymity and dignity. Contributed funds are held for distribution by the Communities Foundation of Texas, Inc., Dallas, Texas. Visit EASL on the Web for more information.

For tickets and information, please contact any of the following galleries where tickets are sold:

  • William Campbell Contemporary Art
    4935 Byers, Fort Worth
    817.737.9566
  • Conduit Gallery
    1626-C HiLine Drive, Dallas
    214.939.0064
  • Craighead Green
    1011 Dragon Street, Dallas
    214.855.0779
  • Barry Whistler Gallery
    2909 Canton Street #B, Dallas
    214.939.0242
  • North Lake College Art Department
    972.273.3577