the proof is in...: proof vodka, 15 minutes of fame, Vol. 37

If you haven’t quite decided where to spend your weekend – think Luminato in Toronto (www.luminato.com) Luminato is an annual multi-disciplinary celebration of theatre, dance, music, literature, food, visual arts, fashion, film that runs from June 10th-19th. Festival-goers are invited to participate, explore, and celebrate their own creative spirit through free widely accessible events, and "accidental encounters with art”. We had our own encounter with art last weekend at the AGA. Here, we launched our full proof brand family. Today, we are featuring the proof vodka drink served at the event – Factory Girl. To learn more about our brand visit www.proofbrands.com.

Become a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Proof-Brands/181641835185326 and Twitter http://twitter.com/proofbrands to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.

factory girl 1 ½ oz proof vodka • 3 oz cranberry pomegranate juice • soda water • raspberries for garnish

In a shaker filled with ice add 1 1/2 oz proof vodka, 3 oz cranberry pomegranate juice. Shake & pour into a chilled glass.

Top with soda water & garnish with raspberries.

The year old AGA is an 85,000 square foot innovative gallery. It is a premier presentation venue for international and Canadian art, education and scholarship. The gallery in itself is a work of art that complements and completes the cultural precinct surrounding Churchill Square.

The most distinctive feature, the sweeping stainless steel wave, is known as “Borealis”. It is meant to reflect the city’s unique geography – the river valley cutting through box-filled urban spaces. While it appears as one piece as you walk into the building, it is actually separate to ensure that cold outside temperatures stay outside.

Randall Stout, FAIA, the architect, is the President and Principal-in-Charge of Los Angeles-based Randall Stout Architects, Inc. A visionary whose evocative design aesthetic consistently challenges architectural conventions, Stout creates environments that capture the unique composition of their natural surroundings, while transforming light, shadow, form, and materials into dynamic architecture.

A passionate advocate for environmental responsibility, Stout is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited architect.

Warhol: Manufactured Exhibit at the AGA, was proof’s first appearance in the west.

proof was serving three delicious cocktails all made with its proof vodka, proof rum and whisky. (www.youraga.ca)

The arts community came out in full gear. What a great party!

The AGA is also using the Warhol exhibit for charity. Bring a can of soup (or other non-perishable food item) on your next visit to the AGA to celebrate the exhibition ANDY WARHOL: Manufactured and help support Edmonton’s Food Bank. Shop AGA is selling giant cans of soup for $5. The net proceeds from these sales will also be donated to the Edmonton Food Bank.

If you are in the Edmonton area, make sure to sample The Andy Dog. Visit Fat Franks on Sir Winston Churchill Square, Old Strathcona and at select summer festivals around Edmonton and try the limited-edition ”Andy Dog” hot dog!