Art World and Drug Policy Reform Movement Forge Groundbreaking Partnership at Cheim & Read Gallery

The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) will host re:FORM, an art auction and cocktail party benefit at Cheim & Read gallery in New York on Wednesday, September 3. The re:FORM art auction will benefit DPA, the nation’s leading organization promoting alternatives to the drug war that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights.

This represents the second installment in a groundbreaking partnership between the art world and the drug policy reform movement, following the first successful event in 2005. DPA will honor three dear friends of the organization: Donald Baechler, Dr. Mathilde Krim and Fred Tomaselli. The event co-chairs are John Cheim, James Cohan, Jason Flom, Howard Read and George Soros. Honorary co-chairs are Darren Aronofsky, Alba Clemente, Walter Cronkite, Peter Lewis and Russell Simmons.

Few public policies have undermined fundamental civil rights and liberties, social justice and public health for so long and to such an extent as the drug war. The U.S. now has the highest incarceration rate in the world–one adult American out of every 100 is currently behind bars. The United States makes up less than five percent of the world’s population but holds close to 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated population. More than half a million people are behind bars tonight for nothing more than a nonviolent drug law violation. More than 700,000 Americans were arrested last year for simple marijuana possession alone. The drug war even targets sick and dying Americans, thousands of whom are regularly denied access to medical marijuana, a medication with proven medical benefits for the treatment of a wide range of serious illnesses and conditions.

Following the re:FORM art auction, an after party will be held at the nearby nightclub Home in Chelsea. From 9:00 PM until 11:00 PM the cover charge will go towards supporting DPA’s important work.

What: An art auction and cocktail benefit at Cheim & Read gallery. Tickets are $150; for those 35 years and under, $100; 547 W 25th St., New York, NY. After-party at Home, 532 W. 27th St., New York, NY

When: Wednesday, September 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m./after-party Wednesday, September 3, 9 p.m. — 11 p.m.

Who: Works donated by established and emerging artists, including Donald Baechler, Ross Bleckner, Louise Lawler, Fred Tomaselli, Lawrence Weiner and many more / After party is open to all. For more information please contact Livet Reichard Company at 212.868.8450 x 211 or go to http://www.drugpolicyevent.com/