'Unforgettable Art: A Virtual Affair' benefits Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter's event, "Unforgettable Art: An Affair for Alzheimer's," is going virtual.
This year's event will feature a virtual silent art auction boasting more than 40 original pieces from a talented lineup of artists. The silent auction will take place Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, with bonus events leading up to it, including art lessons, cooking lessons and a live concert.
"Unforgettable Art" benefits the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter. Support from this event allows the association to further its mission of funding research, providing programs, support services and education to Alzheimer's patients, families and caregivers.
"We are trying something new for this much-loved event in its 17th year due to these challenging times," says Rebecca Peters, manager of third-party & constituent events for the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter and event coordinator for "Unforgettable Art."
"We appreciate all the support for this event, our fabulous artists and for the overall mission of the Alzheimer's Association."
Purchase virtual tickets online at www.unforgettableart.org. Individual tickets are $20 or $70 for a Family Pack of tickets. Event ticket includes access to all five days of fun events, access to the silent auction and entry into the raffle for prizes.
Art lessons with featured artists will be offered Tuesday, May 26, with Marietta Faso, and Thursday, May 28, with Mary Fedorowski. On Wednesday, May 27, enjoy a cooking lesson with Ali Garza of The Macro Kitchen.
The silent art auction opens at 9 a.m. Friday, May 29, and ends at 9 p.m. Saturday, May 30.
On Friday, May 29, Todd Lorenc performs a dinnertime concert live at 7 p.m. A veteran "Unforgettable Artist" since the first year, Lorenc has been making live art for the event dating back to 2003, as well as providing ukulele performances to open the night.
He originally learned of the event through Hobby Lobby, and after little convincing decided to participate in honor of his late grandmother, Emma Paluzzi Lorenc, who had Alzheimer's.
Already an avid cartoonist, Lorenc began painting in high school. He attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he received his associate degree in commercial art and illustration. As a freelance artist, he focuses on music-themed paintings as well as music itself as a form of artistic expression - on his ukulele! He uses Instagram to showcase his work and YouTube for all things musical.
At 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30, join the "Unforgettable Art" program with speeches by Alzheimer's Association staff and mission speaker and featured artist Maureen Gasek of Aurora.
This year's virtual event hopes to bring in $25,000 to help end Alzheimer's in Illinois. Today, more than 5 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease in the United States; someone develops the disease every 65 seconds.
In Illinois alone, there are 230,000 who have Alzheimer's and more than a half-million caregivers. For information, including sponsorship opportunities, contact Rebecca Peters at repeters@alz.org or (312) 210-7094.
The Alzheimer's Association is the world's leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's research, care and support. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
For information, visit www.alz.org/illinois or call the free 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900.