Artrageous 22

(Credit: Photo illustration by George Brooks/The Tennessean; ticket photo by Samuel M. Simpkins/The Tennessean; background and brushes istockphoto)

Last year's Artrageous was full of black-and-white elegance inspired by the "Glitz and Glam" theme.

This year, the 22nd annual benefit for Nashville CARES will be a whimsical world of color and childlike wonder drawn from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. "Sweet Imagination," Artrageous 22, takes place Sat., Nov. 14, at participating art galleries, with a concluding party at Limelight.

The galleries include The Arts Company, The Tennessee Art League, Bennett, Estel, Finer Things, Local Color, Midtown, Richter and Rymer, along with Tinney Contemporary, which makes its Artrageous debut.

As in previous years, the galleries will donate 10 percent of the evening's sales receipts to Nashville CARES.

Each also will develop a concept connected to the theme; from "Sweet Imagination" comes tributes to Red Hots, cotton candy, chocolate, even golden eggs. Beverage sponsor Absolut will provide special drinks.

Meanwhile, the Van Gogh shuttle, available only to patrons at the host level, will be decorated like Wonka's glass elevator and the Late Party at Limelight, featuring DJ Ron, will include an interpretation of the factory.

New this year, Fifth Avenue will be closed to traffic from Church to Union streets, except for the shuttle and private host-level limos and party buses.

Artrageous raised $50,000 for Nashville CARES last year, according to Artrageous president Brian Pickler.

General admission tickets to Artrageous 22 are $85 and includes entrance to the gallery tour (6-10 p.m.) and Late Party, which takes place 10 p.m.-1 a.m. at Limelight, 201 Woodland St. Information is available at www.artrageous.org.