(NEWARK, NJ) -- Gallery Aferro ushers in an evening of celebration honoring the moment, the people, and the spirit of 2022 in their 13th annual benefit art auction and party themed: “Now Is Right Here.” Art lovers, collectors and creators will gather on Saturday, April 23rd from 7:00pm to 10:00pm to enjoy music, food, cocktails and prizes while bidding on hundreds of artworks available for auction in the name of a worthy cause and a worthy “call” to action.
For 19 years as an artist-run institution, Aferro has lived by the immortal words of James Baldwin: “The place in which I’ll fit will not exist until I make it.” And it is with that directive in mind, this year’s benefit promises to remind us all that the time to create that place where we all fit is right here and right now.
The annual fundraiser not only helps Aferro create new innovative projects, maintain community-focused programming, and craft year-round exhibitions featuring established, emerging and unsung artists, it also supports a thriving studio residency program – now in its 16th year – that continues to serve artists with underrepresented voices and vision. Thanks to the success of recent auctions, the alternative arts space has been able to shift to a paid internship program, as well as team-up with Scholastic Inc. as a regional affiliate partner, facilitating youth arts education and bringing the annual awards ceremony for Northern New Jersey students to the Garden State’s largest city.
This year’s benefit will offer a few additions that highlight ways in which Aferro is committed to being more inclusive by bridging distance through the joy of art. First, the much-demanded bidding-by-phone option will provide art enthusiasts, who are unable to attend in-person, the opportunity to join in the fun. And for those who wish to send a gift to a fellow collector without leaving their home, a limited-edition print will be available to purchase and surprise a loved one or a stranger with the beauty of art from afar.
When guests aren’t bidding on their favorite pieces, they can revel in the comedic talents of host MC Justin Williams, enjoy the rare vinyl tracks from DJ Kortez, and savor delicious treats courtesy of Nasto’s ice cream bar. Guests can also participate in the gallery’s first-ever Aferro Hat Contest, daring to impress esteemed judges from the House of BAV, The Newarker, Queer Newark Oral History Project, Pink Dragon Artist Syndicate, Newark Times, and Off The Hanger & High Street Original. Winner of the contest receives bragging rights and a cash prize.
Imagery for this year’s event was created by Jesse Wright, a New Jersey artist and 2021’s New Jersey Art Teacher of the Year, whose work often draws on the global ties that connect us all. With that in mind, all guests over the age of 5 will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test result and be required to wear a mask or face covering when not eating or drinking.
Tickets are available for $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Special VIP tickets with early access to artwork for sale and a VIP happy hour are also available for $125 in advance or $150 at the door. Gallery Aferro is located at 73 Market Street in Newark, New Jersey.
