Visual AIDS Honors World AIDS Day With Art Exhibit And Sale

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Visual AIDS Honors World AIDS Day With Art Exhibit And Sale
12/01/2006 02:30 PM
By: NY1 News

About 40 million people are living with HIV around the globe. As the world observes World AIDS Day, one local organization is sending a very important message, in a very unique way. NY1's Stephanie Simon got a preview of this art show that opened Friday in Chelsea.

Postcard-sized works of art will be displayed this weekend, until someone buys them. The exhibition and sale of these original art works is the big annual fundraiser for Visual AIDS. Founded in 1988, the organization uses the visual arts to raise awareness about AIDS.

“And keep alive the message that AIDS is not over, through visual arts programs or educational initiatives publications or events,” said Visual AIDS Executive Director, Amy Sadao.

And this event is called “Post Cards from the Edge.” The ninth annual weekend-long sale of postcard-sized art takes place at the Sikkema Jenkins and Company gallery on West 22nd Street.

“Well know artists like Jeff Koons and Kiki Smith, Micheal Jew, and Nancy Spiro donated works as well as emerging artists,” said Sadao.

There are more than 1,500 postcards for sale, for $75 each. The only catch, buyers do not know which artist did which postcard

“Some people, you may be able to recognize their style immediately, and some will probably do something outside the works you're familiar with,” said Sadao.

So it is totally anonymous until you purchase the work.

“Trying to pick out, Îwow is that by the current art star,’” said artist Steed Taylor. “Or is that done by someone who's hot right now or is it someone you don't know?

Taylor is a contributing artist and long time supporter of Visual AIDS.

“I am an artist with AIDS, that's sort of who I am,” explained Steed. “The great thing is that, as you said, it's activism. I can put my energy when I have the energy, into this organization to bring about the degree of awareness from work that Visual AIDS has done over the years that people are more aware of AIDS, and AIDS and culture, and artists who have died with AIDS.”

“Postcards from the Edge” coincides with World AIDS Day. And, interestingly, Visual AIDS founded the tandem event “A Day Without Art” in 1989, but by the mid-90's it has come to be known as a day with art as well.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase works that either deal directly with the pandemic, or to show work by HIV positive artists,” said Sadao.

Even before you know the artist, it is a very special delivery.

- Stephanie Simon

Preview Friday Night
Sale Saturday and Sunday
Sikkema Jenkins and company gallery on West 22nd Street
www.visualAIDS.org.