Art All Week---and All Night---with ArtBender

ArtBender, the annual series of creative events planned to raise money for local non-profit Arts Unbound, kicks off this Friday May 5th and continues through a final silent auction and cocktail party on Friday May 12th.

Arts Unbound is motivated by the principle that art is for all, and offers visual art instruction and business mentoring to new and emerging artists with disabilities. They also host group classes open to everyone and run a dedicated art program for seniors.

The heart of the ArtBender is a 24-hour art marathon in the organization’s gallery in the Valley Arts District in Orange. Using supplies provided by sponsor Jerry’s Artist Outlet, visitors can join artists making art anytime from noon on May 6 to noon on May 7. The gallery will be open all night. There will be demonstrations and special activities so you can try something new, like block printing. The marathon is free, but special activities have a suggested donation. Everyone is welcome to bring their own materials and join other artists at work through the night.

“You do not need to be an artist to take part,” explains Arts Unbound executive director Margaret Mikkelsen. “The point is to dedicate a period of time to being creative and thinking about the role the arts play in all our lives.”

There are over a dozen other events over the weekend, both private and public, hosted by Arts Unbound supporters. A full list is at www.artbender.org. You could make an upcycled t-shirt, have a sentimental object photographed by a professional, paint a sidewalk with your children, create a multi-media masterpiece, and take a yoga class this weekend, all while supporting Arts Unbound’s vocational programs for artists with disabilities.

ArtBender wraps up with a cocktail and cupcake party and silent auction at The Dora Stern Gallery at Arts Unbound from 6-8pm on May 12. A selection of thirty of the works created during the art marathon will be available for bidding. Sponsored by realtor Natalie Farrell, the party will feature signature cocktails, cupcakes by Pink Cupcakes of West Orange, and music by DJ Mojito Jones. The gallery is located in the Valley Arts District at 544 Freeman Street, in Orange. Auction tickets for $20 are available at www.artbender.org.

Visit the event website at www.artbender.org to donate or register. To volunteer during the event, please email Margaret Mikkelsen at mmikkelsen@artsunbound.org or call 973-675-2787. To learn more about Arts Unbound, visit www.artsunbound.org.