'iBall: Keeping it Surreal' Fundraiser at the Armory

Play surrealist games, listen to music by DJ Roger Miller, eat food from Somerville restaurants, see a fashion show and win prizes as part of a fundraiser at Arts at the Armory. 

From a press release: 

Somerville’s award-winning non-profit community arts center, Arts at the Armory, has announced details for its 2012 fundraiser, entitled “the iBall: Keeping it Surreal,” taking place on Thursday, May 10 in the Armory’s Performance Hall space. The theme for the evening is surrealism, reflected in all aspects of the event, including the food, activities, music, fashion, and décor. The multifaceted event will run from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm, with a special VIP reception beginning at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, with a limited number of $75 VIP tickets available for the reception. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curatone, Honorary Chair of the iBall, and musician Roger Miller will be in attendance at the VIP reception, among other local celebrities and Armory boosters.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit artsatthearmory.org or call (617) 718-2191. Arts at the Armory is located at 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville.

Surrealism celebrates the intersection where unexpected elements meet and form a new reality. An armory becomes an art space; old Somerville merges with new Somerville. Arts at the Armory’s iBall embraces this dynamic and shares it with the community. Throughout this special evening, guests will take part in a host of unique activities, including a surrealist-themed fashion show and the opportunity to get surrealist hair and makeup done by experts from local salons. Specially decorated eyeball balloons with mystery prizes inside will be on sale for $20 during the event. Food from acclaimed local restaurants is included with admission.   

“I am honored to participate in this wonderful event, and to support one of our community’s most important arts centers as it celebrates its commitment to arts and culture in the City of Somerville,” said Mayor Curtatone.

“As one of the City’s largest and most historic buildings, the Center for Arts at the Armory has played host to some very successful cultural, business and entertainment events, from the All-America City Celebration to local organizations’ annual galas, and we are truly fortunate to have such a wonderful community partner. I look forward to working with the Armory as we continue to support the Somerville arts community.”  

Roger Miller – known for membership in renowned outfits Mission of Burma and the Alloy Orchestra, in addition to his solo work – will teach riotous surrealist games developed during the 1920's and '30's heyday of surrealism. Miller will not only explain and lead the games, but he'll also curate the music - providing a surrealistic soundtrack. Games include Exquisite Corpse drawing and word games that allow the entire audience to participate – in small groups – and express themselves creatively.

The results cause, “Amusement and occasional stunning connections,” says Miller. “It's a total hoot. Everyone has a blast.” He has previously led these popular games at two sold-out events at Arts at the Armory. All funds raised will benefit Arts at the Armory’s acclaimed cultural programming, which provides some of the most inventive music, theater and performing artists in the Boston area, year-round.

Events have included the City of Somerville’s Inaugural Celebration, TEDx Somerville, the ongoing Somerville Winter Farmer’s Market, and Robin Bowman’s award-winning exhibit It’s Complicated: The American Teenager, as well as a range of arts educational programs for adults and children. 

“This is a night to celebrate the artist inside all of us,” said Debra McLaughlin, Executive Director of Arts at the Armory. “We also need community support to allow us to continue to be a part of Somerville’s vibrant cultural landscape.”