Sunday, September 18, is your chance to support visual arts and art education in the greater Galveston County region – at the Galveston Art League’s annual gala. The fun of this year’s fundraiser gala, which includes live music and a multicourse brunch, will begin at 1:00pm in the historic Garten Verein, 2704 Ave. O in Galveston.
Every year, Art League gala planners select an event theme – this year’s is “Sunday Afternoon in the Park” – and carry it out with fresh flowers and elegant table decorations. The gala is laid-back, though, with this year’s attire being “Sunday casual.” Or attendees may dress as a famous artist or as a character from a famous artwork.
Gala Activities and Menu
The 2½-hour gala agenda is packed with engaging activities:
· Curtis Gillins and his band will play favorite tunes from various music genres.
· Seven actors from Webster-based Standing Ovation Theater will dress as a favorite artist or well-known artwork and circulate throughout the attendees during the afternoon.
· Chef Marshall Malone and his Coastal Catering team have planned a delicious brunch with a Gulf-inspired main menu plus a chocolate dessert. Tea, coffee, and water will be available along with mimosas, beer, and wine.
· A variety of silent auction items are up for grabs. Area merchants, artists, and artisans have donated diverse services, framed photographs and paintings, jewelry, spa items, gift cards, collectible pottery, and much more.
· Raffle drawings include an oil painting by Leroy LeFlore, who has won awards in dozens of art contests. Raffle tickets, $5 each or five for $20, already are being sold from noon to 6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays in the Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. in Galveston. Winners are not required to attend the gala.
General tickets for the gala cost $100, and two levels of sponsorships – tables of eight for $2,000 and 10 for $2,500 – are available. Full ticket details and ticket sales are available on www.GalvestonArtLeague.com (click on “Events” tab and then click the last option from the drop-down menu). Credit card checkout is available. You may also pay for your tickets in person from noon to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the 2117A Postoffice Gallery.
What the Gala Supports
The gala plumps up the general budget for the nonprofit, all-volunteer Galveston Art League. One key Art League activity is a downtown Galveston gallery that serves a venue for local artists to display and sell their work.
But the all-volunteer league does much more, hosting adult and children’s workshops, special exhibits such as this year’s Juneteenth display of Black art by Dr. Erma M. Phillips, and summer art camps for children. Galveston Art League also participates in ArtWalks and sponsors trips that are open to the public as well as to league members.
Galveston Art League leaders hope the public will join the organization in celebrating its 108th birthday at the gala. Please visit www.GalvestonArtLeague.com to learn more about the Art League and its activities. If you have a question about the Art League or gala, please email gallery2117@gmail.com.
