SAA Collective launches 6x6(x6) Raffle Fundraiser featuring over 130 works by local artists of all ages.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT: Corrin McWhirter, Gallery Director,
SAA Collective of the Springfield Art Association
gallerydirector@springfieldart.org

SPRINGFIELD IL, September 13, 2016 -- The SAA Collective gallery invites the community to explore a wall filled with stunning miniature artworks created by local artists during its 6x6(x6) Raffle Fundraiser. The exhibition and raffle ticket sales will take place from Tuesday, September 20 to Thursday, October 6, 2016. The exhibition is free to view. Raffle tickets can be purchased at 2 for $5, 5 for $10, or 11 for $20. The exhibition will close with a community event on Thursday, October 6 at 6 PM, including live music from local artist and musician Jeff C. Williams, games, and refreshments. Admission to the event is $10/person and include 2 raffle tickets. Admission can be purchased at www.springfieldart.org or at the door.

"It is the second year for the event and it is bigger and better," says gallery director, Corrin McWhirter. The exhibition will include over 130 pieces from over 90 participants. Artists of all ages, all skill levels, and all media were invited to create work on 6x6 inch canvases provided by the gallery. Artists who work in three dimensions could also submit, as long as the work was less than 6" x 6" x 6". All artwork will be eligible for popular vote and juror awards. McWhirter noted, "We were hoping, with a little incentive, artists would produce unique and stunning pieces. They met the challenge and did not disappoint."

"This is an opportunity for anyone on any budget to start an art collection," says McWhirter. For as little as $2 per chance, visitors can walk away with a beautiful piece of art. Some of the pieces are valued over $90. Raffle ticket purchasers get to pick which artwork they would like to take a chance on. They can put all their tickets on one piece or spread them around to difference pieces and maybe walk away with more than one. Raffle tickets will be drawn live at 8 PM on October 6 but winners do not need to be present.

In addition to the artwork, winners might also walk away with a gift certificate to local businesses, hidden behind several pieces. "We wanted to make this a real community event." says McWhirter. "What better way than to get people out into the community and support local businesses," which donated many of the certificates. We thank them for their support. A complete list of donating businesses will be available on our website beginning September 20.

SAA Collective
Tuesday - Wednesday 10 AM - 5 PM
Thursday - Saturday 10 PM - 7 PM
Extended hours through intermission of all LRS Theatre shows.
For more information, call (217) 544-2787 or visit www.springfieldart.org

About SAA Collective
The Springfield Art Association is committed to fostering community awareness and participation in the visual arts.
SAA Collective, a division of the Springfield Art Association, is a commercial sales gallery and a professional hub for artist based in Springfield and Central Illinois. SAA Collective began as the Prairie Art Alliance in 1979 as an artists' support group called the Women's Art Alliance. Its purpose was to encourage and promote local women artists by providing exhibition opportunities, workshops, and artistic development. The Alliance incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1985 and changed its name in 1995 to reflect the admission of male artists. Beginning in 1996, it opened a gallery and class-room on the grounds of the Springfield Art Association, just north of downtown. In 2004, the PAA moved to downtown Springfield in the newly established Hoogland Center for the Arts, where it resides today.
In January 2016, the Prairie Art Alliance merged with the Springfield Art Association. This merger between Springfield’s two largest visual arts organizations will inspire a new era of collaboration and foster a unified spirit among the artists of Springfield.
SAA Collective is open Tuesday – Wednesday 10 – 5 p.m. and Thursday – Saturday 12 – 7 p.m.
For more information visit www.springfieldart.org.
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