Make The Scene at Bling Ball 2006

Wexner Center Hosts Flashy, Fashionable Fundraising Party

The Wexner Center continues its tradition of hosting provocative and stylish special events with Bling Ball 2006, a fundraising party presented by the Wexner Center’s 121⁄4 Circle, themed in honor of the center’s current visual art exhibition, Shiny.

The over-the-top night of entertainment will be held Saturday, October 21 from 9 pm to 1 am at the Wexner Center for the Arts (1871 N. High St.). It promises to be an exercise in extravagance from the start when guests display their scheme for bling as they make their way through the red carpet entrance. The evening culminates in an unforgettable performance by the headlining act, Brooklyn- based band Bling Kong. A self-described “rock extravaganza,” Bling Kong will bring its brand of power rock and stage presence, creating the ultimate live experience (complete with cheerleaders).

Inspired by the Wexner Center's fall exhibition, Shiny—which examines our culture’s love of luxury, spectacle, shiny things, and our own reflections—Bling Ball partygoers will also enjoy CD101 djs, dancing, cash bars, and heavy hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the hottest restaurants in Columbus, including Due Amici, Cameron Mitchell, Spice, and many more

“We’ll celebrate and satirize our love affair with all things reflective–from diamonds to metal to mirrors,” says Holly Davis, chair of the event and a 12 1⁄4 Circle Council member. "We’re not only looking forward to paying tribute to the exhibition with an extravagant, whimsical party, we’re also are thrilled to share our passion for the contemporary arts with a broader audience."

The evening’s events:

• Red carpet down the stairs, and food and beverage service, beginning at 9 pm

• Galleries & Store open (including Shiny)

• Dancing at 10 pm with a DJ in the Performance Space

• Entertainment headliner Brooklyn’s Bling Kong: “joyfully goofy party music is part Peaches, part Go-Go's, and part B-52's, seasoned with a hint of Judas Priest” (Boston Globe)

• Door prizes and other surprises

• Lounge all night in the Café

• After Party at Sugar Bar, 525 Park St. in the Arena District The event is organized by the Wexner Center's 12 1⁄4 Circle (a volunteer group of young professionals) and other community leaders, and will benefit the Wexner Center's family and children's programs.

Admission is $30 for the general public and $25 for Wexner Center members (and $30 at the door). Special Group Packages: $250 for 10 tickets (general public); $200 for 10 tickets (Wexner Center members and employees of corporate sponsors). Event admission for two and a one-year Wexner Center Membership is $75. Tickets are available at the Wexner Center (614-292-3535) or Ticketmaster outlets (614-431-3600 or Ticketmaster.com). Public information: 614-292-3535 and www.wexarts.org/bling ball. Free parking in the Ohio Union and Arps garages.

This event is for ages 21 and older.

BLING BALL EVENT SUPPORT

Support: CD101, Global Living

Promotional Support Columbus Alive, C The Columbus Magazine, C-BUS Magazine, and Outlook Weekly

Catering & Beverage Support Barley's Brewing Company, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Cornucopia Comestibles, Due Amici, Pistachio, Paramount Distillers, and Spice Bar & Lounge

The Wexner Center for the Arts is The Ohio State University's multidisciplinary, international laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art. Through exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies, and educational programs, the Wexner Center acts as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences that enhance understanding of the art of our time. In its programs, the Wexner Center balances a commitment to experimentation with a commitment to traditions of innovation and affirms the university's mission of education, research, and community service.

Shiny is a bright, playful exhibition which examines our culture’s love of luxury, spectacle, shiny things, and our own reflections, running September 16–December 31. Many of the works in Shiny play with the commodity status of art, both embracing and slyly critiquing conspicuous display. You’ll watch Andy Warhol’s helium-filled Silver Clouds floating sensuously on air currents and see yourself and the Wexner Center’s architecture reflected in the shimmering surfaces of Jeff Koons’s 10-foot tall Balloon Dog. Other artists in the exhibition are Rachel Harrison, Jim Hodges, Louise Lawler, former Wexner Center Residency Award recipient Josiah McElheny, Michael Minelli, Mai-Thu Perret, and Kelley Walker. Most of their works were created in the last five years, and Minelli, a sculptor based in Los Angeles, exhibits a new piece commissioned by the Wexner Center specifically for the show.

The 12 1⁄4 Circle is a group of active members who support the Wexner Center and its role in the cultural life of Columbus. Through social, educational and membership activities at the Wexner Center and remote locations, the 12 1⁄4 Circle promotes the center and engages the community— specifically young professionals—in exciting and entertaining opportunities anchored in the center’s visual arts, performing arts, and film programs. 12 1⁄4 Circle events currently include Art after Hours cocktail parties, Host Committees for Exhibition Openings, volunteer opportunities, and other special Wexner Center events.