Art for AIDS Beginnings

In 1997, Art for AIDS was conceived by a group of friends who wanted to create a way to give back to their community. Ellen Sherrod, graphic designer and founder, organized the first Art for AIDS at Cell Space (a community art space) in 1997. Supported by artists and friends, she raised $10,000 for the California AIDS ride. Friends prepared food, and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence strutted down a red carpet with the art while the auctioneer called out “sold,” slamming his meat tenderizer (they couldn’t afford a gavel) on the podium. The event was a sensation!

The second year Art for AIDS was introduced to the AIDS Health Project. A planning committee was formed and the event was held at Somarts Cultural Center. The planners consisted of a small group of artists, a teacher, a mental health program manager and a salesman. The days were filled with publicizing the event, soliciting artists, searching for sponsors, creating marketing materials, pleading for more sponsors, more planning, creating a web site with photos of all the art and driving to Napa to get wine donations.

The event combined fun and madness. There was live body art painting, more Sisters, extremely high quality art, top notch catering and black vodka. Attendees were overwhelmed by the quality of the art and the enthusiasm and spirit of those involved. The event continues on …

Founders
Michael Discepola, Brian Griset, Lawrence Hultberg, Sandra Kelch, Tim J. Luddy,

Ellen Sherrod, Gordon Studer, Eric Swenson, Julia Turner, Patrick Walsh

Each year Art for AIDS has gained in stature and notoriety, and continues as an event that follows its original mission—to raise much needed funds for those with, and at risk for HIV and AIDS.

Art for AIDS Today

Art for AIDS has become San Francisco’s premier art event. Art for AIDS is held at Bonhams & Butterfields, and is a juried live and silent auction.

The event has grown and now features:

• 500 sophisticated art patrons and buyers
• 125 modern and contemporary art pieces for sale during an evening of silent and live auctions
• Community-minded sponsors and supportive media
• San Francisco’s finest purveyors of food and drink

Bringing together a creative community of artists, galleries, art donors and art patrons, sponsors and media, the Art for AIDS event connects the art world, a community deeply aware of the epidemic’s toll, with one of the nation’s leading AIDS prevention and care organizations.

 

UCSF AIDS Health Project

The UCSF AIDS Health Project is the leading HIV mental health agency in San Francisco, serving more than 8,000 clients annually. During more than two decades of service, AHP has also delivered technical assistance and education to providers throughout the United States, ranking it as one of the nation’s premier HIV mental health organizations.

Founded in 1984 by a group of mental health professionals from the UCSF, AHP helps people at risk reduce their risk of HIV transmission and helps people living with HIV cope with the emotional challenges of infection. AHP advocates in the community for accessible, high-quality mental health services.

AHP Services

• HIV antibody testing, counseling, and outreach, including mobile testing at community events. Limited STD screening and treatment and Hepatitis A and B vaccination are also available.
• Risk-reduction workshops and individual counseling
• Professional and peer-led support groups for people with HIVdisease and at risk for HIV infection
• Psychotherapy services for people with HIV disease
• Crisis intervention and mental health assessment
• Psychiatric care for those living with HIV and consultation to providers
• Counseling, case management, and support groups for substance users with HIV disease or at risk for HIV infection
• Training and publications for mental health and -substance abuse treatment providers

Accessing Services
Services of the UCSF AIDS Health Project are free to San Francisco residents and are

provided at our 15,000 square foot facility at 1930 Market Street.

For information about HIV and HIV testing call (415) 502-TEST (8378),

Monday through Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For more information about AHP, visit our web site www.ucsf-ahp.org.

 

If you need more information about Art for AIDS please contact Derek Ngin.