SomArts Cultural Center

Everything sells on a first-come, first-served basis at a fixed price of $85 plus tax. We expect that over 350 artists will participate in the event. This year's Big Deal will also feature a silent auction with artwork by William Wiley, Joesam, Jerome Caja, Phil Frank, and Margaret Kilgallen.

Among the participating artists for this year's BIG DEAL are: Léonie Guyer, Julie Blankenship, Gary Bukovnik, Ann Austin, Barbara Cooper, Pamela Blotner, Jann Nunn, Stephen Baratz, Richard Bolingbroke, Samuel Bortnick, Tim Burns, Christy Carleton, Robert Dunahay, Donna Fenstermaker, Nina Glaser, Chris French, David Mors, and Laurie Wyman-Heron. In addition, Gallery Paule Anglim, the Olga Dollar Gallery, Fraenkel Gallery, and Toomey Tourell Fine Arts are donating artwork to the event.

Sponsors this year include: Absolut Vodka, Tully’s, Jamba Juice, Cole Hardware, The Packaging Store, Macy's, Bill McKenna and Associates, Hotel Palomar, Acme Bread, and Andrew Rothstein Fine Foods.

Tickets go on sale at 3:00 p.m. on November 6 with the doors opening at 4:00 p.m. and the sale beginning at 5:00 p.m. Because this popular event is a first-come, first-served activity, no cutting in line or saving spaces in line will be allowed. The early bird gets the treasures at BIG DEAL--in previous years, spirited individuals have waited in line as long as 10 hours before the doors opened to select a masterpiece. Be prepared to stay in line in order to save your place.

All BIG DEAL proceeds will benefit Visual Aid. Visual Aid is a San Francisco-based nonprofit arts organization that encourages artists with life-threatening illnesses to continue their creative work by providing a variety of direct services, including a voucher grant program, an ArtBank, and exhibition opportunities.

Contact: Heidi Thimann, Program Manger, Visual Aid(415) 777-8242 (415) 777-8240 FAX heidithimann@hotmail.com