Save the date for Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, when the Advisory Board of the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB will host its 36th annual ArtBLINK Gala! For the first time in the event's history, the gala will be entirely virtual this year.

Here's what's in store for the first-ever virtual ArtBLINK Gala:

  • Virtual artist studio experiences will be featured throughout the week leading up to the event.
  • The Friday evening program will feature special messages from O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Dr. Barry Sleckman and honoree Mr. George Wheelock III, as well as the featured survivor, physicians, researchers, board members and artists.
  • Bidding on auction items will remain open all weekend.
  • Participants will have the opportunity to win a one-on-one experience with a local artist.
  • Attendees will have the option to choose a special ArtBLINK dinner from Iz Catering to enjoy at home.

When?

Dinner pickup: 4-6 p.m.
Pre-show: 6:30 p.m.
Virtual event: 6:45-7:45 p.m.

The online auction will open on the evening of the show and will remain open until Sunday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m.

Where?

Tune in live on YouTube for the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center's first-ever virtual ArtBLINK Gala! Don't miss out: Subscribe at youtube.com/ONealCancerCenter. Once you're subscribed, click the bell on the channel page to receive a notification when the event premiere begins on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. CST.

The gala will also feature an online auction during which those who have registered can purchase or bid on artwork at qtego.net/qlink/occc. The auction will open on the evening of the event and will remain open through the weekend, but those who wish to buy or place a bid on items through the Qtego auction site must register before doing so. Participants can register via phone by texting ARTBLINK to 72727, or they can register online by visiting qtego.net/qlink/occc. Tickets are not required to register for the auction.

Check out frequently asked questions to learn more.

Dinner pickup will be held from 4-6 p.m. before ArtBLINK begins on Friday, Feb. 5, at:

Independence Plaza Parking Deck
1 Independence Drive
Homewood, AL 35209

To reserve your dinner for pickup, you must be a ticket holder, Director's Circle member or associated with a corporate sponsorship, and you must submit your entree selections via the survey link included in your ticket confirmation email. If you have a ticket but have not received a link to submit your dinner selections through the online form, please email Danya Segrest at danya40@uab.edu for assistance. Learn more about dinner and the menu here.

Who?

ArtBLINK 2021 Director's Circle Honoree: George Wheelock III

George Wheelock III and Frances Sommers, February 2019

George Wheelock III is a founding member and former president of the Advisory Board and has been an active member of the board ever since, totaling nearly 40 years of service to the O'Neal Cancer Center.

Gala Invitation Artist: Ahmad Austin

Ahmad Austin

Internationally recognized artist Ahmad Austin believes that good art is like good music: it makes you feel something. Marked by bold colors, movement, and loose strokes, his paintings are sure to do just that. View the piece featured on this year's ArtBLINK Gala invitations.