Science-inspired art auction to fund U-M's brightest young medical researchers

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For months, leading contemporary artists and University of Michigan physician-researchers have been exploring the intersections of discovery and creativity in their respective disciplines.

The result is one-of-a-kind, boundary-breaking works of art that capture the genius of both worlds. And for the third consecutive year, these creations will be auctioned at a gala "Evening of Art + Science" to benefit the life-saving breakthroughs of the U-M's A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute.

Paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more by 20 renowned artists will be sold April 21 at MOCAD to further the research of the Taubman Scholars, global thought leaders in the quest for new therapies for the most difficult diseases.

Artists and Taubman Scholars will be on hand to discuss the collaborative process and the commonalities they found in their glimpse into one another's approach to excellence. The evening also will feature strolling dining and an open bar with surprise signature cocktails.

Proceeds benefit the Taubman Institute's Emerging Scholars Program, which provides grants to junior medical school faculty to establish their laboratories and build the credentials necessary for traditional forms of funding. The program, which aims to ensure generations of medical breakthroughs to come, was dubbed the "jewel in the crown" of the Taubman Institute by its founder, the late A. Alfred Taubman.

The unique Art+Science fundraiser was originally suggested by some of Metro Detroit's leading philanthropists as a way to pay homage to Mr. Taubman's longtime and munificent support of both worlds. It has now become an annual tradition and a prestige event in Detroit's vibrant art community.

Artists participating in the 2016 event include:

Christina Burch, Susan Goethel Campbell, Katie St. Clair, Olayami Dabls, Beverly Fishman, John Gutoskey, Megan Heeres, Scott Hocking, Osman Khan, Jessica Joy London, Allie McGhee, Anne Mondro, Catie Newell, Robert Platt, Sharon Que, Senghor Reid, Ruth Taubman, Bryant Tillman, Elizabeth Youngblood

Details:
An Evening of Art + Science

Date: April 21, 2016

Time: VIP pre-party, 5:30 p.m.
Dinner guests, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD)
4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Tickets: $500 VIP ($425 tax-deductible)
$350 dinner ($275 tax-deductible)
Purchase online at www.TaubmanArtAndScience.org or contact Breeda Miller at (734) 763‑5268 or [email protected]

Sponsorships: Corporate, individual and family sponsorships are available. Contact Cyndy Doherty at (313) 515-9050 or [email protected]

Auction details: Bidding will open at 5:30 p.m. and close at 9 p.m. with winning bids announced at 9:30. Shipping services will be available; checks and credit card payments accepted.

Patrons may purchase for their private collection or purchase and donate to the "Wall of Discovery" gallery being established at the A. Alfred Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building on the U-M campus.

Lecture series: A free, two-part lecture series in advance of "An Evening of Art+Science" is open to the general public. Artists and scientists will discuss their work, give a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the collaboration and take questions from the audience. Each lecture will be followed by a cocktail reception.

March 23: Cranbrook Museum of Art, Bloomfield Hills. 6-8 p.m.
Artist: Bev Fishman, Scientist: Eva Feldman, MD, PhD 

March 31: University of Michigan Museum of Art 6-8 p.m.
Artist: Allie McGhee, Scientist: Valerie Opipari, MD, Moderator: Joe Rosa

About the University of Michigan's A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute: In 2007 Michigan businessman, philanthropist and noted patron of the arts A. Alfred Taubman provided the initial funds to establish the institute bearing his name at the University of Michigan Medical School. Its mission is to provide the university's finest medical scientists the freedom, resources and collaborative environment they need to push the boundaries of medical discovery, to produce breakthroughs in cures to speed the development of effective treatment for some of the most devastating illnesses. Currently, more than 30 Taubman Scholars are advancing their research with the assistance of grants from the institute.

SOURCE A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute

Related Links

http://www.taubmaninstitute.org/