Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) presents its 25th Annual Benefit Art Auction this Saturday evening in Hollywood, a stylish social event in which art patrons, collectors, gallery owners, celebrities and young professionals mingle with many of the artists whose works are available.

Special guests expected to attend include: Sofia Coppola, Rebecca De Mornay, John C. Reilly, John Waters & Billy Zane. Billy Zane was seen doing some early shopping at the exclusive Artist Reception on September 8th, and Ms. Coppola donated artwork -- a photograph of Andre 3000 of ‘Outkast’ sprawled out on a very plush bed.

The casually elegant party, sponsored by local food establishments and wineries allow guests to feast while checking out the artwork. All guests will receive a soundtrack to John C. Reilly's upcoming film, ‘Criminal’ and a slew of swag in their complimentary gift bag.

The event will take place in the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions galleries, located at 6522 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028 this Saturday, September 18. The schedule includes:
6-7 pm VIP Artist Reception
7-8 pm Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
8-9 pm Live auction & Entertainment by My Barbarian

Tickets to the event are still available by calling (323) 957-1777 or emailing info@artleak.org and can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event. To view the auction catalog and for more information, visit http://www.artleak.org.
Ticket prices are $75 for general admission and $150 for VIP admission.

For twenty-six years, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions has distinguished itself by presenting artwork that is new, untested, controversial, and experimental, and since the organization's inception, the primary fundraising activity of LACE has been the Annual Benefit Art Auction. Today, this event continues to raise important funds that allow LACE to provide the impetus for dialogue about contemporary arts and culture as well as bringing arts and education programs to at-risk youth in Los Angeles.

Acclaimed artist, Mike Kelley, has generously donated a limited edition exclusively available to auction attendees. The edition of 100 was released on September 8, and was more than half-way to selling out in the first 24 hours since its release. Pricing for the edition, entitled "Street Sign," a two-color silk-screen print on white baked aluminum panel with three puncture holes, started at $400. The tongue-in-cheek work is being grabbed up by studio executives, celebrities, artists and collectors—including John Waters, Ed Ruscha and Raymond Pettibon. To view the edition, which was organized for Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions by Board Member Tony Payne, visit http://www.artleak.org.

ABOUT LOS ANGELES CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS: Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE) is a non-profit contemporary visual arts institution that strives to cultivate and promote innovation in contemporary art-making, in all mediums and presentation formats, for the benefit of the Los Angeles community. Occupying a unique position within Los Angeles’ dynamic cultural life, LACE distinguishes itself by serving as a laboratory for artistic research and unfettered, positive creative _expression, where artists—including newly-emerging and under-represented artists as well as more established artists—have the freedom and the opportunity to take risks. Working collaboratively with artists, LACE sees its role as both a producer and a presenter of contemporary art. The focus of its exhibitions and programs is to place Los Angeles artists in a national and international context and enhance viewers’ understanding and appreciation of contemporary art.