ARTPACE CELEBRATES 16 YEARS WITH "UNDER THE BIG TOP" GALA AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY ARTIST KEMBRA PFAHLER

04.13.11

SAN ANTONIO, Texas- On Saturday, April 9, 2011, Artpace San Antonio welcomed nearly 300 guests at its circus-themed gala, which raised vital fun ds for the organization's residencies, exhibitions, and education programs. Co-chaired by Artpace Board member Cynthia Toles and 95.4 Artpace alum Leonardo Drew, this year's event honored Carolyn and Allan Paterson. Said Toles, "Carolyn and Allan have done so much for Artpace over the past 16 years, and we would not be here today without them and the support they've inspired in others." Beginning with cocktails in a carnival midway on Savings Street, guests also enjoyed the exhibitions of International Artists-in-Residence E.V. Day, Devon Dikeou, and Kelly Richardson in the Artpace galleries. The evening featured a host of San Antonio artist-performers and ended in the ever-popular rooftop dance party.

The highlight of the dinner was a special surprise appearance by renowned New York-based Kembra Pfahler, the artist behind The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, a theatrical metal band. Pfahler, whose persona has been described as "a dominant 'lady devil,'" was represented by Deitch Projects (Jeffrey Deitch closed the art gallery in 2010, when he was appointed the director of the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art), and has exhibited and performed worldwide, including the 2008 Whitney Biennial. She is currently working with Artpace 11.1 artist E.V. Day on a series of photographic works. Said Mary Heathcott, Interim Managing Director of Artpace, "Bringing artists such as Pfahler from around the world to San Antonio is a key focus of Artpace. Through our residency program, exhibitions, gala -really, everything we do - we strive to provide our audiences with access to the best artists of our time."

ABOUT ARTPACE
Artpace San Antonio serves as an international laboratory for the creation and advancement of contemporary art. Artpace believes that art is a dynamic social force that inspires individuals and defines cultures. Our residencies, exhibitions, and education programs nurture the creative expression of emerging and established artists, while actively engaging youth and adult audiences.

Artpace is located downtown at 445 North Main Avenue, between Savings and Martin streets, San Antonio, Texas. Free parking is available at 513 North Flores Street. Artpace is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 12-5 PM, and by appointment. Admission is free.

445 North Main Avenue San Antonio TX 78205 t 210 212 4900 f 210 212 4990 www.artpace.org