Blick Art Materials has donated $18,000 in art supplies to the School of the Art Institute (SAIC) in support of BareWalls 2009. This annual event supports the BareWalls Scholarship Fund, which benefits students pursuing their studies at SAIC.

During BareWalls 2009, faculty and alumni of SAIC will create original works of art before an audience that includes many of Chicago’s most prominent arts patrons, civic leaders and business leaders. A silent auction will be held to allow participants to bid on their favorite works while they are being created.

The art materials donated by Blick Art Materials include canvases, acrylic paints, acrylic brushes, palettes and water buckets. Participants in the event will also receive tote bags and discount coupons that can be used at Blick Art Materials’ Chicago Loop store, located at 42 S. State Street. Blick Art Materials and SAIC will donate any unused art materials remaining after the event to Chicago public schools, through the Chicago Office of Arts Education.

“The School of the Art Institute offers a solid education for young professionals pursuing careers in disciplines with art as their foundation,” says Bob Buchsbaum, chief executive officer of Blick Art Materials. “We are proud to be part of the effort to raise funds for the SAIC’s Student Scholarship Fund and believe that by supporting art education in schools and the community, we are helping to inspire individuals and support their long-term career goals.”

“SAIC is delighted to be celebrating the 15th anniversary of the BareWalls Benefit for Student Scholarships,” says Emily Chapman, director of alumni relations for SAIC, “Supporters of this annual event are contributing to the education of young artists and designers pursuing their studies at SAIC. In the last 14 years the endowed BareWalls Scholarship Fund has provided financial assistance to over 300 SAIC students. It is really energizing to see SAIC’s community of alumni, faculty and friends come together in support of the School in such an outstanding way.”

Blick Art Materials will help promote BareWalls 2009 with promotions and signage in its Chicago Loop store, which is located across the street from the SAIC Sullivan Galleries, the site of the BareWalls 2009 event. The event will be held on October 10, 2009 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-982-2787 through October 7 and on the day of the event at the door with cash, check and credit cards all accepted. For more information, visit SAIC’s BareWalls 2009 Web pages or call 312-899-1455.