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Reds, Blues and Dance Shoes in Red Hook

Florence Neal, director and co-founder of the Kentler International Drawing Space, poses for a photo in front of the drawings that will be exhibited at the art center's "100 Works on Paper."
Florence Neal, director and co-founder of the Kentler International Drawing Space, poses for a photo in front of the drawings that will be exhibited at the art center's "100 Works on Paper."
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DNAinfo/Alan Neuhauser

RED HOOK — Two art centers and a dance studio celebrate Red Hook art and artists this weekend. The Kentler International Drawing Space, the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition and the Cora Dance Studio have each scheduled exhibitions and benefits that mark some of their biggest events of the year.

Kentler International Drawing Space
Take home one of the drawings on display at Kentler's "100 Works on Paper," the center's 10th annual benefit and a celebration of its 22nd anniversary. Tickets cost $200 per person, or $250 for couples. But every purchaser of a $200 ticket goes home with one of the works at the gallery – any piece that's hanging on the walls can be selected.

"I've wondered, myself, which one I'll end up with," said Kentler director and co-founder Florence Neal, who bought two tickets to the event. "There's some here that would sell for $2,500 in a gallery."

"100 Works on Paper," on display since April 13, features drawings by artists from around the world. But a special, additional exhibition, titled "Found in Red Hook," showcases the work of local artists and businesses, such as blown-glass tumblers and sculptures. Each item on display will be sold through silent auction Saturday.

"It really lets us highlight the artisans and business owners and show what they do," Neal said.

Pieces by renowned artists such as Bo Bartlett and Joan Snyder will also be sold by silent auction.

The event starts at 6 p.m. at 353 Van Brunt St. Admission includes free food and drinks catered by Red Hook businesses, plus a colorful cake designed by a local student at Kentler's "Art Plus Cake" event in November. All proceeds from ticket sales, the silent auctions and donations will support Kentler's exhibitions and arts education programs.

For ticket information and more, visit www.kentlergallery.org.

Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition
Before selecting a drawing at the Kentler benefit, learn which piece might best suit your private collection by attending John Strohbeen's lecture on art collecting, taking place at 3 p.m. at the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition at 499 Van Brunt St.

The lecture is part of the BWAC's annual spring exhibition, "Celebrate," which this year marks the organization's 20th anniversary, according to arts administrator Jane Gutterman. More than 200 artists have exhibited 1,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures and more in BWAC's 25,000-square-foot venue, a Civil War-era building that overlooks New York Harbor.

"We've been exhibiting for a long time, and now we see a big change in the community, a lot more artists," Gutterman said. "We think this will do a great deal to help the neighborhood become beautiful, to bring people, and raise their spirits."

On Sunday, vibraphonist Stefan Bauer will perform at the BWAC at 3 p.m., part of the organization's "UnPlugged in Red Hook" concert series.

The "Celebrate" exhibition and events continue through June 17. For the full schedule, visit bwac.org.

Cora Dance
After browsing fine art, let loose at Cora's rooftop benefit bash and silent auction, featuring a live performance by the swing band, Primitvo, according to the Cora Dance website. Cora students will perform dances, and food and drinks will be catered by local businesses.

The event will also honor two local women: Marya Warshaw, executive director of the BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, which trains and supports young dancers and actors, and choreographer Monica Bill Barnes, the choreographer of her renowned contemporary American dance company.

The benefit starts at 7 p.m. at Rocky Sullivan's, located at 34 Van Dyke St. Tickets cost $100 or pay-what-you-can (the suggested minimum is $20). Proceeds support Cora Dance programs.