Luca Luca Selects VSA arts as the Beneficiary of Its First Ever Holiday Campaign

The Gift of Giving Back

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Luca Luca has selected VSA arts as the recipient of its first ever holiday fundraiser this winter season. Luca Luca boutiques inNew York,Chicago,Dallas,Palm Beach, andBal Harbour will hang the work of six emerging VSA arts artists in their stores and donate a portion of store proceeds to VSA arts to continue its work of increasing access to the arts for people with disabilities. The stores will also conduct a silent auction at the registers for the artwork through December 25, and proceeds will go directly to the artists, helping them further their careers.

"Luca Luca generously approached VSA arts about being the beneficiary of this campaign," said Soula Antoniou, president of VSA arts. "We're thrilled at the opportunity and exposure Luca Luca is providing to our emerging artists, as well as their generosity at this time. VSA arts programs touch children, teenagers, and adults with programs in inclusive arts education and showcase the accomplishments of professional artists with disabilities."

"Luca Luca believes the best gift this holiday season is the gift of giving back," said Yildiz Blackstone, president of Luca Luca. "We're proud to support the work that VSA arts does, and the silent auction allows our clientele to support emerging artists with disabilities at an important time in their career."

Each store will have a booklet by the register displaying the artwork of all of the locations, allowing customers to bid on artwork in stores other than their own. Although the silent auction ends on December 25, stores will display the artwork until January 3.

VSA arts exhibits the work of artists ages 16-25 every fall at the Smithsonian Institution's S. Dillon Ripley Center inWashington, D.C. Luca Luca selected the work of six artists who were past participants of this program for this year's campaign. The artists on display include: David Castro ofVisalia, California; Isaac Caruso ofPhoenix, Arizona; Katrina Cathcart ofWarren, Rhode Island; Ryan McDonnell ofNorthampton, Massachusetts; Eileen M. Ray ofLouisville, Kentucky; Merlin Strivelli ofWeaverville, North Carolina.

For more information about VSA arts, please visit www.vsarts.org or call (202) 628-2800. For more information about Luca Luca, please visit www.lucaluca.com.

About VSA arts

VSA arts is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where people with disabilities learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. VSA arts is an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. For more information, visit www.vsarts.org

About Luca Luca

LUCA LUCA was founded in 1991 by designer Luca Orlandi, launching a collection of unique infusion of classic Italian craftsmanship and an appealing modern edge. Appealing to a worldwide clientele, LUCA LUCA has earned a reputation for sexy silhouettes, exquisite colors, and the use of the finest fabrics. The collection evolved to include daywear, sportswear, knits, coats, eveningwear, shoes, and handbags. In early 2008, Luca Orlandi appointed Raul Melgoza as the new Creative Director. Later that year, the company was acquired by theMiami-based Equitium Group to realize Luca Orlandi's vision of building a premiere luxury fashion brand on global scale. Luca Luca continues to expand and gain popularity domestically as well as international luxury markets.

SOURCE VSA arts

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