Jason Craighead donates painting to Visual Art Exchange fundraising auction

PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 04, 2007 – February 2, 2007 (RALEIGH, NC) – Abstract expressionist Jason Craighead donated an original work of art to the Visual Art Exchange’s 23rd Annual Gala and Art Auction held February 3 in Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh. The event raises funds for the Visual Art Exchange (VAE) to support emerging artists in the Triangle area.,

Craighead, who recently joined Somerhill Gallery’s select stable of artists, has donated works to the VAE auction for several years.

“It’s a very worthy cause,” he said recently. “Many emerging artists in this area would have gone unnoticed if not for the VAE. I’m always pleased and proud to do my small part to help.”

VAE is the oldest private non-profit visual arts organization in Raleigh. Its mission is “to foster the advancement of and provide opportunities for all visual artists, particularly emerging, and to increase community awareness, appreciation, and support of North Carolina artists.

A recipient of the prestigious Raleigh Medal of Arts award, the VAE offers monthly exhibits, operates a retail gallery, conducts an annual student exhibition and scholarship competition, provides arts education and development opportunities, and installs exhibits in public venues throughout the community.

This year’s gala fundraiser, which Craighead and his wife, Meg, attended, showcased work from the state’s established and emerging artists. The event began with a silent auction followed by a dinner, dancing and cocktails, and a live auction.

Jason Craighead is considered one of the leading abstract expressionists in the Southeast. Along with Somerhill, Craighead is represented by Center of the Earth Gallery in Charlotte, Broadhurst Art Gallery in Pinehurst, New Elements Gallery in Wilmington, and Anne Irwin Fine Art in Atlanta.

For more information on Jason Craighead, contact Kim Weiss, publicist, at 919-272-8615, or by email: kjw27612@yahoo.com. For more information on the VAE, visit www.visualartexchange.org.

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