Galveston Art League has scheduled its long-delayed gala fundraiser for Sunday, May 23. The event, which includes a catered lunch, will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at Garten Verein, 2704 Ave. O in Galveston.
In keeping with the times, the gala, which is the nonprofit Art League’s principal fundraiser, has been changed from a fall supper inside a hotel to a spring lunch at the historic indoor-outdoor venue. “A Garden Party” is the theme, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes or in some way dress in a nod to the theme. Dress is casual, but guests are required to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
Christina Heard will cater the meal, which will include brisket, chicken with a bourbon sauce, potatoes, carrots, beans, rolls, and two desserts. Attendees also can select from an assortment of soft drinks, wine, beer, and a limited number of brunch-type mixed drinks.
Besides enjoying socializing, the Art League’s party planners have arranged a silent auction, two raffles, live music performances, and a facemask contest to enliven the afternoon.
The silent auction will offer bidding on merchandise and services contributed by area businesses, gift cards for local merchants and restaurants, and dozens of works by regional artists. The artwork will range from oil and watercolor paintings to 3-D and mixed-media items, all of them ready for display in your home or workplace.
The raffle items, with tickets $10 each or three for $25, will be two large gift baskets – one filled with alcoholic beverages and snacks, and the other a selection of gardening tools and supplies. Tickets to both raffles are being sold in the Art League’s gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. Gallery hours are noon to 6 p.m. Fridays-Sundays. You do not need to be present to win a raffle.
Music will include singer Jenny Lanier and harpist Dr. Joanna Whitsett (known on the island as the organist for Moody Methodist Church), who will both perform indoors. Guitarists Rhys O’Farrell and Allen Kirkpatrick also will play, strolling outdoors if weather permits.
The facemask contest, open to all who attend, will be based on designing a creative mask in keeping with the garden party theme of the gala. Prizes will be awarded.
Tickets to the gala are $100 apiece for general seating, $250 for prime seating, $2,500 for a table for 10, and $2,000 for a table for eight. Those who purchase tables will have ads in the program.
Gala seats may be reserved in the Galveston Art League Gallery, 2117A Postoffice St. downtown, and online at www.GalvestonArtLeague.com. For further details about the event, call 409-938-1671 or email gallery2117@gmail.com.
So, if you plan to eat lunch on May 23 anyway, please make it a celebration along with members and supporters of the all-volunteer Galveston Art League. For 107 years, the Art League has advocated on behalf visual arts in the region by holding educational events and promoting local artists without ever having a salaried staff member.
If you cannot attend but would like to support the Art League by contributing a silent auction item or making a donation, please call 409-938-1671 or email gallery2117@gmail.com.
