RAW: Underground Art in Ivy Nightclub

You’ve undoubtedly popped into Ivy Nightclub for a few drinks and dance moves amidst swanky lounge lights and celebrity performers. But things take a turn for the artsy on Thursday, July 28, when the club transforms itself for a complete San Diego artist takeover.

From 8pm to 10:30pm, the scene normally inhabited by the signature Lipstik dancers and avid club-goers will take a refill to showcase talented local artists during Raw: Illuminare, spanning genres from performance art to hair and makeup design. Once inside, you’ll become part of an underground habitat of the emerging art scene that too rarely gets exposed. RAW: Natural Born Artists features a handful of eclectic visionaries from visual arts, to film, fashion, music, hair, photography, models and performing art. Inspiring and invigorating art that you can see, hear, taste, and feel comes to life on this ultra-exclusive night in our fine city.

In this fusion of all arts under one roof, you'll get insight into what’s going on beyond our normal routines. In attending this continual series that is spreading through the nation, you will be front row to a film screening, a musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and more. While you work the circuit of creativity, you’ll uncover some of the hand-chosen artists that RAW seeks out to feature, with the help of a few cocktails. The “natural born” artists are given the facilities and tools they need to expose what they’ve been working on, while we get to mingle in the midst of art and nightlife. It’s a win-win by any standards. Sacita Duffy, our host for the night, is a San Diego runway model known for her energetic personality and frequent appearances around town. Your soundtrack will be provided by DJ Jay Luera, who also happens to be a staple in the San Diego scene, with his sounds playing at RA Sushi, AIRR, and Prospect Bar.

Meet the Artists: Some of the featured talent for the night include belly dancer Tara, who breaks boundaries with her live performance art that she aims to captivate her audience. Hair and makeup artist Andrea Gibson will have featured work, proving her paved way in San Diego. Gibson appears frequently behind the chair and behind the scenes at photo shoots, beauty pageants, film sets, and fashion events all around our community. A unique twist on the expected, Jason Acton brings his exceptional work as a color-blind artist to the scene, with primary colors in an organized, clean and geometric balance to intricate compositions. Outside of his preferred style, he also creates in graphic design, architecture, and music. Artist Dexx will show off his graffiti-influenced collection with bright colors and textures, prompting an edgy perspective on art. The talent to be found at the Raw show is endless and telling as to what’s been brewing right before our eyes.

Don’t miss Raw: Illuminare exhibit on Thursday, July 28 at Ivy Nightclub. All Raw events are 21 and up and dress code is cocktail attire. Tickets are $10 presale, and for more information, please visit rawartists.org/sandiego.

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