The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) in Grand Rapids organized an artful fashion show fundraiser with local men's clothier A.K. Rikk's to help address UICA's recent financial struggles. The event featured fall fashion designs walked on the runway to music while local artists provided interactive art displays. Food was catered from several Grand Rapids restaurants. Proceeds from the $35-55 tickets were aimed to benefit UICA programs and operations, which had run deficits in recent years. The event organizer believed supporting local arts organizations was important to the creative economy and city.

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Artful fashion show is UICA fund­raiser
Author(s): Tricia Woolfenden / The Grand Rapids Press Date:
August 17, 2003 Section: Entertainment
The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is a haven for creativity in
Grand Rapids and, fittingly, creative forces have converged to raise
funds for the downtown gallery and arts center. A fashion show from
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday at UICA, sponsored by men's clothier
A.K. Rikk's, will help raise money for an organization with recent
financial struggles.
"The money raised will be used to benefit UICA programs," said
Leyla Kayi, communications manager for UICA. She did not try to
estimate how much money the fund­raiser might generate.
In an effort to cut costs, UICA closed its doors this month, marking
the first time it had closed for a month since moving in June 1998 to
its current home at 41 Sheldon Ave. SE.
"We were closed to the public for August but actually will reopen for
films the last weekend (of the month)," Kayi said.
In the past year, UICA has reduced staff and cut its costs 20 percent.
Two years ago, UICA ended the 2000­01 year with a budget deficit of
$305,000. Last year, it did better but still had a deficit of $238,000.
UICA officials have estimated the annual deficit for its operations
year of 2002­03, which ended June 30, will be less than $200,000.
David Abbott, event coordinator and general manager and buyer for
A.K. Rikk's, 5761 28th St. SE, said UICA serves as a venue for free
speech and expression in Grand Rapids, hence the "Freedom Of..."
name given to the show.
"What the UICA represents in Grand Rapids is a true freedom of
speech," Abbott said. "Some art or movies shown might rattle some
sense of conservatism in Grand Rapids.

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"It exposes people to new and different things, and this event speaks
clearly to that," Abbott said.
Abbott said West Michigan supports the arts and freedom of
expression.
"We have had tremendous response so far and some good
sponsorship," Abbott said.
Two ticket price levels exist. A $55 ticket entitles an attendee to
preferred seating, valet parking and a gift certificate to A.K. Rikk's. A
$35 ticket means self­parking, a smaller gift certificate and standing
room only. About 200 tickets have been sold as of late last week,
nearly all for the higher priced tickets. Abbott expects 350­400 people
to attend.
"People want to support UICA," Abbott said. "People are looking
forward to the evening."
Fall men's fashions by top designers ­­ Ralph Lauren Purple Label,
Etro, Ted Baker, Paul & Shark, John Varvatos, Michael Kors,
Ermenegildo Zenga and Hugo Boss ­­ will be strutted on the runways,
to music spun by local DJ Todd Ernst of the former downtown
nightclub Fusion.
On display will be a retrospective photography exhibit of work by
Rob Conens, local artist and owner of Cascade Optical, 6740 Cascade
Road SE. Interactive art displays, which people may help create, also
will be at the show.
Food by Louis Benton Steak House, Bar Divani, Firehouse Grill and
San Chez will be provided and an after­show party will be in the
basement of the UICA, following the runway shows. An "after­after
party" at the Monkey Bar, in The B.O.B., 20 Monroe Ave. NW, will
follow.
Dress code for the night is "casual attire with expression," Abbott
said. "It's a chance to wear whatever you want to say."
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the A.K. Rikk's store or by
phoning 957­3242. They also can be purchased at Urban House by
Rock Kauffman, 16 Ionia Ave. SW, 774­9200.
"Every dollar raised past expenses goes to UICA," Abbott said.
Abbott said he believes it is important that people support area
businesses and artists.
"Every art place in town needs support," he said.
"Creative people are what's going to save the economy. We're doing
what we can to save the arts.

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"The city wants creative people here."
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Copyright, 2003, The Grand Rapids Press. All Rights Reserved. Used by
NewsBank with Permission.