For Immediate Release
Oct. 24, 2006    

WHITMAN-WALKER CLINIC ANNUAL ART AUCTION FEATURES RECORD NUMBER OF WORKS

Proceeds To Benefit Clinic’s Latino-Focused Efforts

WASHINGTON – Prominent artists Andres Tremols, Jorge Zamorano and Janis Goodman, host of WETA’s television series “Around Town,” are among a record 130 artists who have donated more than $100,000 worth of paintings, photographs, sculpture and other original works of art to Art for Life, an annual fund-raising auction held by Whitman-Walker Clinic.
                                               
The 13th annual Art for Life auction will be held Friday, Nov. 17, at the Organization of American States. The event is a benefit for the Clinic’s Latino-focused programs and services.

“The Latino community often has to deal with language and immigration difficulties when trying to access AIDS information and services,” said Donald Blanchon, Whitman-Walker Clinic’s chief executive officer. “Whitman-Walker Clinic provides interpreting services, support groups and education and prevention information with special sensitivity to the needs of the Latino population in the Washington area.”

In the United States, Latinos make up 13 percent of the population, but account for 19 percent of new AIDS cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number of Latino clients at Whitman-Walker Clinic has increased by 58 percent since 2000.

“There are strong cultural and religious barriers among Latinos that make AIDS a tough subject to talk about. This event provides us with resources we can use to begin to break down those barriers,” Blanchon added.

This year’s artwork will go on display at the Tora Mata Art Gallery, 2410 18th St., N.W., from Nov. 2-9, with a special preview reception Nov. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

Many of the works can also be viewed on the Clinic’s website, www.wwc.org. The website also offers an absentee bid form for those who wish to bid on a work but cannot attend. The form can be delivered to the Clinic electronically or via fax.

“Over the last 13 years, this auction has raised more than just money,” Blanchon said. “It has raised critical awareness about AIDS among Latinos and galvanized the community in the fight against the disease. It has also brought together hundreds of artists, diplomats and celebrities to focus on the issue.”

The Organization of American States is located at 17th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W.  The program is set to begin at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $75 and can be purchased through Whitman-Walker Clinic’s website.

Established in 1973, Whitman-Walker Clinic is a non-profit, community-based provider of health care and social services in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Through three sites, in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, the Clinic offers primary medical and dental care; mental health and addictions counseling and treatment; HIV education, prevention, and testing; legal services; case management; and a food bank. Whitman-Walker Clinic is committed to meeting the life needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community and people living with HIV/AIDS.   

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