On June 10th, 2017, Spaceworks will be hosting its annual fundraiser NEON, offering an opportunity to dress up, and enjoy a party of colors and creativity. Live art and entertainment will fill the evening at Tin Can Alley while attendees win local art and small business experiences in auctions, raffles, and games.
Spaceworks Tacoma invites you to
NEON: Spaceworks Annual Fundraiser
June 10th, 2017, 6PM (5PM – VIP Happy Hour)
Tickets: $40 general admission or $125 VIP (couples’ discount available)
Please join us in Creative Cocktail Attire 
Tin Can Alley
2620 E G St, Tacoma, WA 98421
Event Contact: Kate Monthy 253.682.1741 x102
www.spaceworksneon.com
“Spaceworks is an innovative program that is helping to build up the creative and entrepreneurial landscape in our city,” says program manager Heather Joy. The program began in 2010 as a joint initiative of the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber. She says that people still rave about last year’s event and that this year’s NEON will be even better.
Related Post: Why Neon? by Lisa Fruichantie
“This year NEON will be stepped up a notch in terms of performance,” says Joy. “For example, we booked a local band The Happy Sinners for VIP Happy Hour entertainment. But we also have a fun surprise in store. Our mystery musical guests will be a crowd favorite for sure as well as the drag queens selling raffle tickets!”
Related Post: Galen Turner’s 2017 NEON Artscape Installation
Over the course of 7 years Spaceworks has supported nearly 100 entrepreneurs who started new creative businesses or learned how to grow their existing businesses through its program, Creative Enterprise. Through another one of its programs, Artscapes, Spaceworks commissions some murals and large-scale art installations in places like the Woolworth windows on the corner of 11th and Broadway among many others. Spaceworks also supports short-term artistic projects, leases studio spaces at the 1120 Creative House, and hosts exhibitions at the Spaceworks Gallery.
The artistic impact of NEON attracts creatives of all trades from photographers to musicians to furniture makers. “I think there is a lot of community creativity, and it’s not just in art installations but in the auction items too,” says Kate Monthy, Spaceworks Development Coordinator. “The experience we are creating is more creative than your typical fundraiser. It will have a party atmosphere with music, lights, and art adding up to a fun, visceral experience.”
“Last year the turnout was almost like something you would see at one of the farmers’ markets. It was a representation of different kinds of people in Tacoma that want to see creative business thrive.” Monthy added. She is most excited about one part of the event, Art Race, which was inspired by Lettuce 253, a participant of Spaceworks’ Creative Enterprise program. Two artists, Jaison Rivera and Katlyn Hubner, will race against time to create complete works of art in front of your eyes.
The NEON 2017 presenting sponsor is JP Morgan Chase. The event is also possible thanks to sponsorships and donations from many local businesses and organizations including the Bamford Foundation, Shaub Properties, Court House Square and others. The items in the auction were donated by Tacoma’s artists and small business owners who are excited to invest in growing creative economy.
The event will be held at Tin Can Alley, an historic, repurposed building in the dome district. It is home to PJ Hummel’s event company who is also providing the décor. Tickets are available on the event website www.spaceworksneon.com at $40 for general admission, and $125 for VIPs, with couples’ discounts available.
“NEON is not just a fundraiser,” says Joy, “it’s also an opportunity to come together and celebrate the amazing arts and culture that Tacoma has to offer.”
presenting sponsor
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