Galleries of Contemporary Art to dazzle creative scene with art party fundraiser

BRILLIANT 2013, the UCCS Galleries of Contemporary Art’s annual art party fundraiser extravaganza is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 10 at the GOCA 1420 campus gallery and University Center Upper Plaza.

Tickets are available at www.brilliantgoca.com. Prices range from $30 to $75 until Aug. 1 then increase.

BRILLIANT combines artists and dancers, cocktails, food, live auction, art installation, a 12-piece jazz band, and a soulful DJ, with a creative twist. GOCA 1420 and the outdoor plaza will be transformed into the party place of the year and will be, in the words of Daisy McConnell, gallery director, “brilliant.”

For BRILLIANT 2013, GOCA invited Peak FreQuency Creative Arts Collective, a part of the UCCS Visual and Performing Arts Department, to provide live music. GOCA and Peak FreQuency collaborated to meld visual art, live music and original sound works into brilliant and transformative interdisciplinary experiences.

In this latest collaboration, Peak FreQuency asked the Thin Air Jazz Ensemble, a 12 piece big band of the best jazz musicians in the region, to provide creative jazz and a dazzling swing dance repertoire. GOCA invited six Swing and Lindy Hop dancers from Front Range Swing & Blues to perform for BRILLIANT.

A live auction includes an original artwork created for the event by artist Sean O’Meallie, Michael Salter’s small-scale styrobot sculptures, two custom-designed dresses by artist Aaron Graves, a Steamboat Springs vacation package, and a signature piece of jewelry.

BRILLIANT 2013 is a creative extravaganza that raises critical financial support needed to realize future gallery programs, exhibits, and innovative collaborations. GOCA, known as a regional leader in contemporary culture programming, will feature collaborations with Peak Frequency Creative Arts Collective, Ormao Dance Company, Thin Air Jazz Ensemble, Front Range Swing & Blues Dancers, DJ Wesley Wayne, and artist and UCCS alumnus Aaron Graves at BRILLIANT. Money raised at BRILLIANT will be used to bring 2013-2014 exhibits and programs in both gallery spaces and to the community.

GOCA is a regional hub of contemporary art, culture, and conversation. By featuring world-class artists, hosting artist and expert talks, and offering meaningful events, GOCA engages UCCS students, faculty, staff and Pikes Peak Region community members in contemporary culture and life.

For more information, contact McConnell, [email protected] or 255-3504.