Emberge QBQ to Host SHOWOFF 3.0: HYPOTHESIS UNKNOWN, 2/21

For the third consecutive year Emerge ABQ - New Mexico's only chapter of the Americans for the Arts' Emerging Leaders network - will present ShowOff, a night of art, activities, and entertainment inspired by the talent shows and science fairs of our youth. ShowOff 3.0: Hypothesis Unknown will take place on Friday, February 21 at 8:00pm in Downtown Albuquerque at ArtBar, a non-profit bar, entertainment and gathering space that supports local arts organizations through general operating grants. The event is free and open to the public. However, Emerge ABQ will be accepting contributions (we recommend $15+) to benefit the rebuilding efforts of the National Institute of Flamenco, whose Downtown Albuquerque location was devastated by a massive structure fire late last year.

ShowOff 3.0 Hypothesis Unknown's format is inspired by the talent shows and science fairs of our youth and will feature performances, 'booth' activities, art installations, and a curated exhibition. The artists, performers, and organizations participating in ShowOff 3.0: Hypothesis Unknown include:

· Hakim Bellamy, Albuquerque Poet Laureate

· DJ James Black

· Aerialist Kaeti Frady

· Musicians Candace Morales, Casey Mraz, Christy Cook & Stef Graner

· Amsterdam Ham Photo Booth

· Hand Eye Collective

· And many more!

Co-founded in 2010 by Julia Mandeville (of Harwood Art Center) and Brendan Picker (of City of Albuquerque Public Art), Emerge ABQ is a volunteer-based council of emerging artists, arts administrators, and arts supporters. Emerge ABQ has produced two previous iterations of ShowOff and, last fall, in partnership with Skarsgard Farms, produced Danger Carnival - a mirthful night of music, art, activities, food, beer, and project-oriented fundraising attended by over 250 people at the Skarsgard Farms distribution warehouse in Albuquerque.

"A thriving creative community is essential for any great city, and Emerge ABQ is dedicated to this vital ideal," says Julia Mandeville. "Emerge ABQ's mission is to nurture and keep alight the creative spirit of our community and, in so doing, to make Albuquerque the best place in the universe. Towards this pursuit, we love bringing the community together to show off some of Albuquerque's most amazing talents. From poetry to dance to live art making, from photo booths to 'science' projects to silk-screen printing, ShowOff 3.0: Hypothesis Unknown will be a fabulous way for people to experience a slice of the rich network of passionate creativity Albuquerque holds. We're proud that this is now Emerge ABQ's third ShowOff production. And we're thrilled to be contributing 75% of our entry contributions the National Institute of Flamenco to help restore one of our city's most treasured creative organizations.