EXPERIENCE THIS

art for JOBS

STORY TERRI GLAZER | PHOTOGRAPHY CATHERINE BURNS PHOTOGRAPHY

mid south art lovers need to mark their calendars for Sept. 20-22, the dates of the 2022 Art for Jobs event. The annual fundraiser for Advance Memphis takes place both in the organization’s South Memphis facility and virtually and promises something for everyone.

For this 12th annual installment of Art for Jobs, Advance Memphis will temporarily transform its warehouse into a gallery filled with original works by around 100 area artists. “We will have a wide range of artists, including some prominent names in the local art community,” says Hailey Roaten. “And, unlike other charitable art sales, we offer an artist split, sharing some of each piece’s purchase price with its creator.”

A professional artist and longtime Advance Memphis volunteer, Roaten is part of the group that makes the venue metamorphosis happen. “I love that it’s in the warehouse, where the work of Advance Memphis takes place,” she tells At Home. “We turn it into a party space with decorations and walls that have been made that we move around to create the floorplan and display the art. We show respect to people's artwork; we hang it nicely and represent it well.”

The public will be able to view the pieces at several times and by different means, a pivot organizers devised to make the event accessible during the pandemic. First looks will come at 6:30 p.m. on Tue., Sept. 20, during the preview party at the facility at 575 Suzette St. Admission is free, but tickets are limited in number and should be reserved in advance at artforjobs.cbo.io. Free tickets are also available for warehouse gallery viewings Wed., Sept. 21, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., and Thur., Sept. 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Roaten says that while the preview party is always fun and festive, these open walkthrough hours are her personal favorite times to peruse the 240+ pieces in the show. Event volunteers are on hand to discuss the art and answer questions in the relaxed atmosphere.

art for Jobs is designed intentionally to be accessible, says Kelsey Dees, director of programs and community engagement for Advance Memphis. “If you want to expose your children to art, this is a good opportunity. If you want to buy a piece of art this is a good opportunity because there's such a wide range available.”

An online gallery also accessed through the website provides a third way to view the works before the online only sale begins at 6 p.m. on Thur., Sept. 22. The sale is first come, first served, so potential buyers will need to be registered and ready to purchase when the clock strikes six.

The show will feature three artists this year: acrylic painter Meghean Warner; landscape specialist Matthew Hasty; and Mosal Moszart, creator of contemporary abstracts and portraits. Dees says Advance Memphis is pleased to showcase the works of three talented local artists, including one who is a native of the South Memphis community served by the organization. For more information, to reserve tickets or to view the virtual gallery, visit artforjobs.cbo.io.

advance memphis

Since its inception in 1999, the mission of Advance Memphis has been to empower adults in South Memphis to break cycles of unemployment, establish economic stability and experience the dignity that comes through meaningful work. The faithbased organization provides job readiness training, financial literacy classes and employment assistance for its graduates.