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On Friday, November 4, a group of Columbia graduate students, staff, and supporters ventured to a fundraising event at The Bedford for PGA (Please Generate Art) 2012, which is part of Columbia College Chicago’s annual urban arts festival, Manifest.

The Bedford opened up their private dinning space from 5-7pm for Columbia graduate students to gather and enjoy a drink after the work week.  All bar tips and 10 percent of all drink sales went toward the PGA fundraising drive.  The Bedford was kind enough to extend our session to 7:30 pm, allowing us to raise a little extra money and continue our merriment.

PGA Silly Hat Party

During the event, there was a hat contest per the theme, Silly Hat Party.  There were some very creative individuals.  However, there could only be one winner and that was AEMM’s very own, Carolyn Sybesma.  You can see Carolyn below with her fancy toilet paper hat.  I was very proud that AEMM was able to claim victory.

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The Bedford helped the PGA fundraising committee craft a special cocktail for our event, entitled the ART Palmer Manifesto.  This drink consisted of tasty lemonade and iced tea with a splash of Reyka vodka also known as a John Daly.

The Bedford is an old bank vault that has been transformed into a kitchen and bar located in Wicker Park.  They serve carefully-crafted cocktails and contemporary American cuisines with a German flair.  I would highly recommend coming in for dinner and drinks.

The Bedford is located at 1612 W. Division, Chicago, IL 60622.  For dinner, I suggest calling to make a reservation, (773) 235-8800.  However, the bar and cocktail lounge are first come first serve.

”]PGA calls upon designers, performers, marketers, music-makers, fundraisers, writers, builders, and planners to develop an interactive art exhibit.  This will be the second annual graduate student collaboration project and will take place on May 4.  The event will celebrate the communal spirit of Columbia’s artists in an interactive, interdisciplinary miniature-golf- inspired art-course.