Not only will the Union of Maine Visual Artists host a holiday sale on First Friday, but there will be a selfie opportunity with the Dada Art Santa with donations going to UMVA and the Immigrant Legal Assistance Project. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / PRURGENT
Not only will the Union of Maine Visual Artists help local artists sell their wares this December First Friday, Dec. 6th, Saturday, Dec. 7th and Saturday Dec. 14th, but an unusual selfie opportunity will raise funds for the non-profit arts organization, as well as ILAP, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project which offers pro bono legal services for immigrants. The Dada Art Santa Selfie Project offers the chance to take a selfie with the artist-crafted, physical metaphor for the compassionate part of ourselves with the $10 donation being split by both UMVA & ILAP. The holiday sale event opens at 5 pm on First Friday and goes to 8 pm. Saturday hours are 10 am to 5 pm. The event is free and open to the public. The UMVA Gallery is located within the Portland Media Center, 516 Congress St in Portland’s Arts District.
Who is this Dada Art Santa? They differ from the traditional Santa Claus in that they are not gender specific and they are asking people for donations to have their picture taken which will be donated to two nonprofit groups in Portland. Traditional Santas want to hear what you want for the holidays, while the Dada Art Santa want you to take a selfie and make a donation.
Dada Art Santa Selfie Project creator, Ann Tracy says it was the horror of seeing news reports of refugee families and children forced into internment camps at the southern border that made her think of the rise of the Dada art movement at the end of WW1, which in turn led her to the concept of the "Dada Art Santa" Installation and Photo Booth Project for the UMVA December show.
The Dada Art Santa Selfie Project installation will be located in the front window of Portland Media Center. Tracy will be there to either use the person’s phone or take a polaroid photo of them with the Dada Art Santa.
The Union of Maine Visual Artists (UMVA) represents visual artists statewide in all fields of endeavor and welcomes those who support contemporary artists in Maine. The UMVA is dedicated to upholding the dignity of artists, while creating positive social change through the arts. By collaborating with other cultural and progressive organizations, we raise awareness for significant issues while promoting an inclusive arts community in Maine. We are grassroots and we are active. We fear no art. UMVA's Portland Gallery inside the Portland Media Center provides at least two open shows for members each year. | 
