The Columbus Arts Council’s 33rd annual gala launches Friday, Feb. 17 with the theme “Art in Space.” Silent and live auctions, live music, dancing, heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar highlight the nonprofit organization’s primary fundraiser at Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus.
When it comes to inspiration, many artists have availed themselves of the beauty of the solar system, said event chair Jerry Fortenberry. The celestially-themed gala provides a chance to celebrate the splendor of the planets, stars and their varied landscapes, he added. While the evening’s focus is festive, the underlying purpose is crucial to the arts council’s year-round offerings.
“The money we raise with the gala goes to support all our programs and events,” said Tina Sweeten-Lunsford, CAC executive director. It also supports general operating funds which include staffing, electricity and needs not generally covered by program grants.
“We depend on this funding each year to maintain the quality and quantity of arts programs we provide to the community,” the director added.
Gala doors open Feb. 17 at 5:30 p.m. Members of the Suzuki Strings Advanced Ensemble will perform while guests enjoy appetizers, open bar, the silent auction and make a stop at the photo booth. At 7 p.m., heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by Marty Wages will be served, followed by the live auction at 8 p.m. Dancing begins at 9 p.m., with music by The Wright Moves.
Dak and destinations
The silent auction, which ends at 7:30 p.m., features items donated by area merchants and patrons, from jewelry to gift certificates.
“We are very excited to have among the live auction items a Dallas Cowboys football signed by Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant, with a certificate of authenticity,” said Fortenberry. The football comes in a display case bearing an engraved Dallas Cowboys plaque.
Also in the live auction are several vacation condo getaways, a guided turkey hunt and an historic Columbus tour and mint juleps with historian Rufus Ward.
A separate raffle features three items — a quilt donated by the Possum Town Quilters, a barbecue package or a Mississippi food basket from the Mississippi Gift Co. “Many thanks to my wonderful committee members — Jerry Hodson, Bridget Van Holland Williams, Dessie Clinton-Robinson, Desiree Krieger, Qua Austin and Mike and Karen Arzamendi — for their tireless work and commitment,” said Fortenberry. He also praised internationally-known floral designer Ralph Null for the concept for centerpieces that artistically interpret the gala theme.
“He guided me through the construction process, and I am forever indebted to him,” the chair said.
How to go
Ticket sales end Friday, Feb. 10. As of Feb. 1, tickets are $75 each. Reserved tables are $600. Purchase online at columbus-arts.org, call the arts council at 662-328-2787, or visit the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Attire is black tie optional.
Raffle tickets are $10, or three for $20, available at the gala.
Arts council programming supported by the gala includes the Concert and Artist Series, Young People’s Artist Series, Omnova Theater series of musical and theatrical performances, free gallery shows, Arts for All classes, Summer Art Camps and more. The arts council also provides re-granting to local art organizations as well as promotion and ticketing services for other local art groups.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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