Though the name Smash & Grab may suggest destruction, no art work will be smashed at this year’s fundrasier for Locust Projects promises Director Chana Sheldon. Sure, it could be in the realm of possibilities since the alternative exhibition space in Miami’s Design District is known for providing freedom of expression and experimentation to the local arts community for seventeen years.
The importance of Locust Projects as a cultural organization in Miami is exemplified in the artwork donated by over 120 local, national and international artists for this year’s fundraiser. According to Sheldon, the quality of the artworks donated is a true testament to the Locust Projects’ role as an arts organization in the Miami community. All of the works are installed salon style at the gallery in Miami’s Design District. The Smash & Grab preview is currently on view to the public during regular gallery business hours through Friday, October 24, or you can go online to view the works.
Held on Saturday, Oct. 25, the annual event features a raffle of the donated pieces. For its 17th installment of Smash & Grab, Locust Projects has sold-out the raffle tickets faster than in previous years, proving the organization is more pertinent than ever. According to Sheldon, the event is fast-paced and fun. All of the contributing artists are invited to the event where, at 7:30 promptly, the raffle begins. Ticket holders’ names will be called at random. “On a first come, first serve basis, they will run to ‘grab’ the artwork of their choice from our gallery space among a crowd of artists and art-enthusiasts. The result is a fun way to place artwork into private collections and support Miami’s longest running alternative art space,” says Sheldon. “As a hallmark that makes this venue stand out from other art venues, Locust Projects embraces cutting-edge exhibitions and innovative installations. The donations directly translate into support for our robust calendar of exhibitions and programming. The Smash & Grab event is one of Locust Projects’ largest source of revenue for the year.”
Here is a gallery of some of the experimental pieces up for grabs this year:
Francie Bishop Good
Autumn Casey
Santiago Rubino
Timothy Buwalda
Raul Perdomo
Isabel Gouveia
Samantha Salzinger
Photographer: Silvia Ros
Bhakti Baxter
Tom Scicluna
The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. at Locust Projects, 3852 North Miami Avenue, Miami FL. Raffle tickets are sold out. General admission still available at $50.
