Executive Director Lawrence Brose of CEPA Gallery wants you to know that–more than the art, and more than the fundraising–this weekend’s event is meant to be one big party.
Visions of Greater Buffalo was started 3 years ago as a way to make friends, generate funds and celebrate art, but Brose says it’s become much more than that. First, CEPA hands out 100 single-use cameras to various people around Buffalo (some high-profile, some not) and asks them to shoot the entire roll. The cameras get returned to CEPA, who in turn develops the film and chooses the “money shot” from each participant.
“We use recyclable cameras,” Brose said, “because the lenses are quite good.” Prints are made and matted in a 16 x 20 sized frame, while a dozen highly exceptional photos get blown up larger and put in a 28 x 30 sized frame. On party night, with a mere $10 entry fee that comes with nibbles, a DJ and a cash bar, the silent auction begins.
“It’s called a Yankee Auction,” Brose explained. “The two highest bids both get the print of their choice.” So the northernmost bid and the one just south of it? “That might be it,” Brose said. It’s a nice way for everyone to get what they want; two happy patrons get their print and CEPA feeds its kitty.
Brose explained that this idea came from the CEPA board back in the day of the Red Budget/Green Budget, when money was tight and creative fundraising was essential. He said that the evening is meant to be casual, and that no matter what other events might be happening on that night, CEPA draws quite a crowd.
Visions of Greater Buffalo engages the community by giving 100 people the honor of participation, puts CEPA on the map for some who may never have visited and raises much need funding. Still, according to Brose, “We refer to it as a friend-raiser. It opens doors, puts us on the radar.”
Zero in on CEPA Gallery
Saturday, April 25th, 7PM
Image from VGB: Richard Kegler