Artworks for the Cure gala in Santa Monica Sept. 26

The TJ Martell Foundation, the music industry’s largest charity, will be holding its first annual, “ARTWORKS for the Cure 2010,” on Sunday, Sept. 26th at the Writers Boot Camp at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. It promises to be an entertaining and stimulating event at Southern California’s largest and most unique art gallery complex. Music will fill the air, wine will be poured, and catering will be provided by Beverly Hills’ famed An Catering/ Crustacean Restaurant.

The afternoon will feature a broad spectrum of art and photography – a contemporary exhibit that spans the spectrum from studio to street! The collection includes contemporary art, both originals and limited editions, from over 50 established and up-and-coming painters, sculptors and photographers including the graphic works of many well-known music artists. All artwork is for sale or auction at “ARTWORKS for the Cure 2010,” with all proceeds benefiting the TJ Martell Foundation. Many of the artists will be in attendance, as well as personalities from music, film and television.

“Artworks will give fans and collectors a wonderful opportunity to discover talented new artists as well as re-discovering those already known,” said Vicki Robles, Executive Director of the Foundation’s West Coast office.

Sponsors include Continental Airlines, City National Bank, MySpace Music, BMI, The Gary Group, Gibson Guitars, ICM and Childrens Hospital LA. The afternoon will also feature a live auction, including once-in-a-lifetime trips and pieces of art. Tesla Motors is donating a weekend with a Tesla! There will be something to get everyone’s motor running! Gibson Guitars is donating instruments, which will be painted specially for the event by fine artists and musicians.

“ARTWORKS for the Cure 2010” honors Robert Kraft, President of Fox Music, and the memory of Bob Mercer, CEO, NOW That’s What I Call Music.

Kraft is responsible for the music content of Fox filmed entertainment productions. His work has earned him Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy nominations

Bob Mercer’s music career started at EMI London, where he signed Queen and many other platinum artists. He managed Paul McCartney and ran Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville label. He headed up NOW That’s What I Call Music and is being honored posthumously.

The TJ Martell Foundation is the largest single donor to our local Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Over $27 million has been granted to the hospital to fund their ground breaking work in the fight against pediatric cancer. Grants provided by the TJ Martell Foundation have produced amazing results, especially in the area of children’s cancers, where the survival rate has increased from 15% to 80% over the past fifteen years.

Tickets, Honoree Tribute and Sponsorship packages are available for this very worthwhile (and fun!) event. For additional information, please visit www.2010artworks.org.