19th annual Red Ribbon Art Auction to support DCAP.

LAWRENCE - The annual Red Ribbon Art Auction is once again approaching just as the leaves start to turn in beautiful downtown Lawrence. There's no better time of year to give money to such an important cause as the Douglas County AIDS project (DCAP).

Jennifer Adhima, chair of the Art Auction planning committee, says that this year's auction will feature artist Jen Unekis, who has won several awards, including placement awards in the Kansas Visions show, the LOYO show and the Lawrence Art Guild's Art in the Park. Unekis' featured piece for the auction is entitled "Hill."

The event will feature a live auction and a silent auction, food and beverages will be provided (they're included in the ticket price), along with a specially made martini called - you guessed it - the Red Ribbon Martini.

Adhima says that for this year's event, the committee decided to change things up a little, starting with the day, in order to increase attendance. "We have changed our format this year from a Sunday evening event to a Saturday night event, so while we did not make our goal last year, we are hopeful that this change will increase attendance. Our fundraising goal for this year is $33,500. "

Attendees can expect a wide variety of art on display from many different mediums including photographs, prints, paintings and sculptures. Adhima says the silent auction will feature additional art pieces, as well as merchandise and gift certificates from local vendors. "There will be tickets available for $10 for a chance to win a beautiful wood bench handcrafted by Tim Carpenter, a long-time supporter of DCAP," she says. "There is something for everyone at our auction."

All of this, of course, benefits the important mission of DCAP, which is to provide supportive and responsive care for a diverse community affected by HIV/ AIDS. "The generosity of the artists in our community and attendees of the Art Auction are what keeps our doors open for everyone who needs vital services and education free of charge," says Adhima.

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DCAP, Adhima continues, is a small organization made up of passionate staff members who are committed to assisting those living with HIV/AIDS and providing education and HIV testing in the community. "In the wake of state funding cuts and financial uncertainty in public health services, the funds raised from the Art Auction are more important this year than ever before."

The 411:

What: 19th Annual Red Ribbon Art Auction

When: Saturday, Nov. 5. Doors open at 6:30pm; live auction at 7:30pm

Where: Maceli's, 1031 New Hampshire

How much: $40 in advance, $50 at the door

Art preview: www.douglascountyaidsproject.org.

By Ciara Reid, staff reporter