The University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) will hold its annual Museum Party from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 12, in the Oakdale Ballroom of the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
This year’s theme is Splatter to Sparkle—Join the Journey! The theme is inspired by the recent completion of the two-year restoration and conservation of Jackson Pollock’s Mural.
The party features a live theatrical performance written and directed by Meg Eginton, including the presentation of 12 Mural-inspired wearable works of art. The performance will trace the history of Mural, following its journey from New York to Iowa City. The work of 14 artists (11 individuals and one group of three) will be displayed and 12 “players” from the local community will perform. Wally Chappell, former director of Hancher, will serve as master of ceremonies.
The wearable artworks were selected by a jury following a public call for artists. All but one of the artists are currently living and working in Iowa, and the remaining artist is a UI graduate.
The Museum Party is a fundraising event and will include remarks by UIMA director Sean O’Harrow to highlight sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming 2014–15 season.
Money raised will be used to maintain existing programs and support UIMA events, programs and collection care, including on-campus exhibitions in the UIMA@Black Box Theater, academic resources at the UIMA@IMU, the UIMA’s K-12 School and Senior Living Community Outreach programs, and conservation efforts for the UIMA permanent collection. All funds help the UIMA achieve its goal of providing first-hand experiences with the visual arts to the University, Iowans and art lovers from around the world.
Sponsorships can be paid either through an outright gift or a pledge throughout the year, and payments can be made monthly, by electronic funds transfer or by automatic payroll withholding for UI employees.
Tickets are $75 per person, $50 of which is a tax-deductible donation. Call 319-335-1725 to purchase tickets or make inquiries.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact the UIMA in advance at 319-335-1727.
About the UI Museum of Art
After the June 2008 flooding of the UIMA's former Riverside Drive home, the building was deemed unsuitable for the return of artwork. However, the UIMA collection was saved, and through the use of temporary facilities and creative outreach, the museum continues to offer the invaluable experience of art to the university, the community, the state of Iowa, and beyond. Members of the public are invite to visit the following temporary locations:
• UIMA@IMU Visual Classroom, Iowa Memorial Union, Room 376, 125 North Madison St., Iowa City, IA 52242
• Black Box Theater, Iowa Memorial Union, third floor, 125 North Madison St., Iowa City, IA 52242
• Figge Art Museum, 225 West Second St., Davenport, IA 52801