Following last week’s announcement of a fundraising goal of $525,000, the United Way of Oxford and Lafayette County is hosting an art show in Oxford on Friday, Sept. 27, although the specific location is being kept a secret.
Oxford artists, musicians, painters, foodies, puppet makers and cocktail connoisseurs are gathering to put together an art show created to break rules that confine public exhibition, galleries and the traditional concept of art itself.
Dee Guised, a contact from United Way associated with the art show, said the artists’ mission is to “encourage guests to break a boundary or try something new.”
Why the secret? According to Guised, it is supposed to push guests out of their boundaries as you “have to be willing to have anything happen and be part of the event.”
Examples of art displayed in the show feature food arranged in an artists’ palette, with a chef available to encourage guests to try unusual food combinations. One such possible combination is a slice of pear wrapped in bacon that may be dipped in Hawaiian charcoal salt.
The show’s writing team will be present inviting attendees to take part in writing a novel, or joining others in painting a work of art.
Ann Davis Weber, manager of strategic planning at The University of Mississippi’s Office of Strategic Planning, recently learned of the event.
Weber, who has previously worked in fundraising and related research, noted that the unique approach to the event may spur success.
“Events are a very important part of the fundraising process,” Weber said. “ A lot of times, they do not make much money, but they generate a connection between a donor and an organization that be built on in future projects. Anything that gets people thinking about the organization, and maybe invested in it, could be good.”
To find out the location of the show, a donation must be made through the Secret Show website. On the day of the show, the guest will receive an email or text identifying the location of the event and the password required for exclusive entry.
To donate and discover Oxford’s biggest secret, visit secretshowoxford.eventbrite.com.
