On Saturday, September 24th, over 1,100 of Columbus’ art aficionados, artists, and HIV/AIDS advocates helped raised over $640,000 for the life-saving working of Equitas Health (formerly AIDS Resource Center Ohio) at the 2016 Art for Life event. Art for Life, a biennial art auction, created in 1989, has helped raise awareness and now more than $3 million in funding for HIV/AIDS medical care, prevention, education, testing and advocacy services in Central Ohio.
In partnership with the Columbus Museum of Art and the Pizzuti Collection, this year’s auction featured a selection of 85 pieces of artwork from local artists as well as national artists with an Ohio connection. The event included a live and a silent auction of the artwork with a small portion of art sales benefitting the Pizzuti Collection’s education program.
Three artists were recognized at this year’s event for their contributions and commitment to Art for Life and Equitas Health’s mission.
Art for Life Award: Kristyn Hartman from WBNS 10TV presented the Art for Life Award to Denny Griffith, in memoriam, for his artistic and philanthropic contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Beth Fisher, Mr. Griffith’s widow accepted the award on his behalf.
The Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Community Award: Yolanda Harris from ABC 6/Fox 28 presented the Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson Community Award to Meagan Alwood-Karcic. The award was named after life-long artist Ms. Robinson whose art reflects the Near Eastside neighborhood in Columbus where she grew up. Ms. Alwood-Karcic was chosen from the 85 pieces of art featured in this year’s auction by the community through online voting.
The Denny Griffith Peer-to-Peer Artist Award: Colleen Marshall from NBC 4 presented the Denny Griffith Peer-to-Peer Artist award to Mark Bush. This award continues Griffith’s life-long commitment to celebrating artists and their work. The winner was selected based on votes from this year’s Art for Life contributing artists.