Not Dead, Yet! – Lansing Art Gallery 59th anniversary fundraiser

The Lansing Art Gallery invites community members to celebrate its 59^th anniversary while offering financial support during a difficult time with a special fundraising event 6 to 9 p.m. Friday (Aug. 16).

In a press release, the gallery wrote that it’s experiencing a “financial crisis” due to “inflation; across-the-board increases from service providers; general operational cost increases; and a decrease in sponsorships, memberships, and donors since the pandemic.” It requires additional funds to continue hosting exhibitions, running its retail gallery and offering programming such as ArtPath and artmaking workshops.

The fundraiser will feature live painting sessions by local artists Brian Whitfield, Marissa Tawney Thaler, Steph Joy Hogan and Anna Zander, whose work will also be auctioned off at the event. Another local artist, Dennis Preston, will draw caricatures. In addition, Deadtime Stories will offer merchandise and promotional items in anticipation of A Festival of Oddities in Charlotte on Aug. 31.

The Mezzanine Gallery will be a VIP area, offering live body art by special guest artist Sera Reneé, a special mocktail at the private bar and an opportunity to purchase exclusive art.

Additionally, the gallery will announce the winner of its Page Follow Contest at 7 p.m. To enter, follow the gallery’s new Facebook page at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562695126002.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite black party attire.

General admission tickets are $20 each or two for $30 and include one drink ticket. Additional drink tickets will be available for $5 each. VIP tickets are $30 each or two for $50. Tickets are available at the gallery or online at lansingartgallery.org/gallery-events/not-dead-yet.