Minneapolis, MN, August 9, 2012Art and style will infuse the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden on September 8 at Avant Garden, the Walker Art Centers annual benefit, with creative design by Todd Pinzuti of Bungalow 6, food by Modern Events by DAmico, live and silent auctions, and views of the Garden from a tented layout and dance floor.

The evenings entertainment will be provided by an exclusive Minneapolis DJ Summit featuring Paper Tiger, Soviet Panda, Dirty Talk, Mike 2600, and Danny Sigelman.

Tickets to Avant Garden are available at two levels. The Gold Key experience ($500) provides admission from 6 to 11 pm, complimentary cocktails and hors doeuvres, and live and silent auctions. The Silver Key experience ($100) provides admission from 8:30 to 11 pm, two complimentary drink tickets, sweets and savories, and the opportunity to participate in the silent auction.

Mark Wheat, on-air personality at 89.3 The Current, will lead the live auction. At the live and silent auctions, guests will be invited to bid on items including:

- An original color photograph by acclaimed artist Cindy Sherman

- A chance to have your portrait painted by Minnesota artist Frank Gaard

- An original work by contemporary painter Julie Mehretu

- An original photograph by Angela Strassheim

- Many additional art items and exclusive experiences

Ticketholders are also invited to the Avant Garden After Party hosted by Le Meridien Chambers and DAmico Kitchen. The After Party takes place in the Eden Courtyard of Le Meridien Chambers and features a private bar with specialty drink offers and complimentary appetizers. The After Party runs from 11 pm to 2 am.

For more information and for tickets, visit walkerart.org/avantgarden or call 612-375-7642.

Avant Garden 2012 Committee

- Lisa Denzer and Monica Nassif, co-chairs

Auction Committee

- Trissa Garvis and Laura Taft, co-chairs

Sponsorship Committee

- Amy Kern and Wim Stocks, co-chairs

Gold Key Host Committee

- Sally Blanks and Michelle Fitzgerald, co-chairs

- Carol Bemis

- Debby Christakos

- Karen Heithoff

- Anne Labovitz

- Searcy Lillehei

- Muffy MacMillan

- Dean and Karin Phillips

- Donna Pohlad

- Angie Wicka

- Sue Zelickson

Silver Key Host Committee

- Jori Miller and Lindsay Pohlad, co-chairs

- Emma Berg

- Leslie Hammons

- Calla Nassif

- Fred Rappaport

- Zach Robins

- Alyssa Vance

- Johnny Whitaker

- Brian Woolsey

Proceeds from the event will support the Walkers award-winning artistic and educational programming.

Press Contact:

Christopher James

612.375.7651

hristopher.james@walkerart.org

###