VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

The Arthritis Foundation will host a benefit dinner and art auction on Friday October 2, 2009 from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Hotel InterContinental Houston. The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Art for Arthritis is unique event that celebrates the lives of those living with arthritis, especially artists. Therefore, our auction has not only the usual items, but primarily artwork (painting, sculpture, jewelry, etc.) largely created by artists who have arthritis or have family or friends with arthritis. This year, the 300+ people who attend, will enjoy viewing unique works of art at the Hotel InterContienental Houston.

The 2009 Featured Artist is Nicola Parente. Mr. Parente was born in Italy. He draws from his rich Italian Heritage and deep well of cross-cultural experiences bringing his art to life with expressive abstract paintings. Working in a variety of media, he engages the viewer in dialogues of human encounter within the urban environment.

There will also be  live painting by Taft McWhorter and Micah Simmons. Emcee and Auctioneer for 2009 is Mr. Vicente Arenas with KHOU-TV.

The “Curator of the Show” is Mrs. Adrienne Purcell, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis the second semester of her freshman year at college. She is an accomplished portrait artist and was married with two children before her arthritis was under control.

Event is open to the public. Ticket price is $125 per person, $100 for those Under 35/Over 65 and $150 at the door. All proceeds benefit The Arthritis Foundation.

About Nicola Parente:

Born in 1966; Mola di Bari, Italy - resides in Houston, TX.Nicola Parente creates expressive abstract paintings drawing from his rich Italian heritage and a deep well of cross-cultural experiences to bring his art to life. Working in a variety of media, he engages the viewer in dialogues of human encounter within the urban environment. Inspired by changes in metropolitan communities, his art defines the intersections of daily urban life and timeless multi-cultural celebration. His paintings capture the fluidity and static elements of the urban matrix, referencing the architectonic images, reflections, and rhythms of its landscape. Mr. Parente completed his undergraduate studies at Kings College and his Masters from the University of St. Thomas. In 2008, Parente collaborated with Dominic Walsh Dance Theater in designing and creating the set for the World Premier Production of Terminus.

Earlier this year Parente took part in a group exhibition entitled Transparent/Translucent at the University of Texas Museum in San Antonio, curated by Wade Wilson. In November 2009, Art League Houston will be featuring a collaborative outdoor site specific instillation by Parente and Divya Murthy. Parente is represented in Houston by Gremillion &Co. Fine Art. His works can be seen in public and private collections in the US and abroad.

About The Arthritis Foundation:

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s number-one cause of disability. Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948.

Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the United States. Join us for a unique evening as we celebrate artists with arthritis. We welcome donations from local artists.