Persad Center's Annual Fundraising Gala, Art for Change, Makes a Bold Return in 2021

More Than 150 pieces of Donated Art to Be Auctioned; Inspirational Immersive Experience Promised for All Attendees; Funds Raised Will Support Mental Health Services for Pittsburgh's LGBTQ+ Community

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Persad Center is hosting “Art for Change 2021” on Saturday, November 20 at THIS IS RED, located in Munhall, PA. The event, Persad’s 34^th Annual, is one of the region's most significant art auctions, and the planning committee is promising an extravaganza unlike any previous Art for Change event. Proceeds support Persad Center's mission of providing mental health services to the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The event will include more than 150 items for auction; this includes traditional art, sculpture, and jewelry, as well as unique experiences. While most of the pieces will be available through a silent auction, silent auction items will be available for the public to bid on beginning November 5 at persadartforchange.com.

As part of its annually anticipated live auction, 20 items will be available to bid on during an exciting live auction the night of the event. The live auction pieces will be curated by Judy Barie, Director of Galleries at the Chautauqua Institution.

Throughout the night, attendees will be mesmerized by unique, memorable live performances popping up throughout the venue. And the venue itself is like a piece of art as it occupies the former St. Michael's Slovak Roman Catholic Church building in Munhall and features a 54-foot hand-built mahogany ceiling, 18-foot Corinthian-topped solid marble arches, and 50-foot parabolic mirror with a herringbone-patterned half dome (not to mention the grotto).

"After planning the event multiple times last year due to Covid-19 and ultimately hosting a virtual stream-a-thon, we couldn’t be more enthusiastic about throwing an extra-special, in-person Art for Change 2021," said Jeff Martin, Event Chair. "We have totally reconfigured the event as we know it and are looking forward to a unique party full of entertainment, music, and exceptional art. Most importantly, all the proceeds from the event will support the mental health needs of our community."

Tickets are currently available at persadartforchange.com. VIP Tickets are $300 and include early admission & access to view the art, an open bar all night, heavy hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment, and valet parking. The highly sought-after tickets are limited. General admission tickets are $125.

According to Pittsburgh-based artist and the event's Art Chair, Mia Tarducci, "I was honored to be asked to be the Art Chair for the event this year, and I am humbled by the incredible art donated in support of the LGBTQ+ community. We have pieces from such talented, sought-after artists, including Baron Batch, Pati Beachley, Michael Lotenero, Crystal Latimer, Dan Harris, Seth Clark and Adam Lynch.” The auction will also include art donated by Tarducci herself, who is currently exhibiting at ZYNKA Gallery in Sharpsburg.

Complete details, including the full list of donated art pieces and planned entertainers, will be available on Friday, November 5.

According to Marty Healey, Persad's CEO, "For 33 years, this event has been vital to the livelihood of Persad Center. From a mental health standpoint, the last two years have been difficult for so many, and we continue to see a tremendous increase in the demand for culturally competent mental health services. The financial support from this event is crucial to the organization's health – particularly since in 2022, we will be embarking on our 50th year of service to the community.”

Art for Change 2021 is presented by UPMC with support from PNC, FedEx Ground, PPG, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Nemacolin.

About Persad Center:

Founded in 1972, Persad Center is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ mental health and behavior services agencies in the U.S. The agency works to improve the lives and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV/AIDS through counseling, psychiatry, groups, and social support for the youth and senior population at locations in Lawrenceville and Washington, Pa. Despite considerable gains for LGBTQ+ people, community members still experience stigma, shame, trauma, and associated impacts. Ensuring that specialized services are available to meet the unique situations our community members face is vital for providing transformative services.