Geneva cultural arts gala a success
The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission recently raised $15,000 through its second annual gala fundraiser, "Eat Your Art Out!"
Funds raised enable the privately funded arts commission to nourish the community with diverse artistic programs throughout the year. For event guests, "EYAO!" is more than a fundraiser, it's an opportunity to experience the depth of local artistic riches with which they are surrounded.
Decades have been spent measuring the benefits and power that the arts yield to a community and how they cultivate the landscape. The generosity of "EYAO!" participants enables the arts commission to foster and infuse the community with annual events/programs including Geneva Film Festival, Summer Concert Series at RiverPark, Shakespeare at Island Park, Steeple Walk, Bike+Rack=Art and the Greater Geneva Art Guild. The arts commission also supports Art on Fire, the Orion Ensemble Chamber Group and the Geneva History Museum in their artistic endeavors.
The arts commission extends heartfelt gratitude to "EYAO!" guests and the following talented and generous contributors:
• Featured artists Len Bielefeldt, Suzanne Massion, George Shipperley, William Worcester and Jeff Meyer, Herrington Inn & Spa executive chef.
• Art Leaders David and Alexia Monaco, Mary Ann Diggory and Down to Earth Pottery, Fox Valley eValues and Deals, Jan Schmuckal and Gallery 28, and Photography by Perez.
• Art Patrons Andrew Young Photography, Dan and Trish Tkach, Perry Haas Ceramics, Stith Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
• Art Sponsors Anne Von Ehr, Fox Valley Folk Festival, Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Geneva Park District/Playhouse 38, Graham's Fine Chocolates, Image Awards & Engraving, Margaret Eagan for Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, McDonald's of Geneva, Orion Ensemble/Janet's Stage, Sue Sanders, Town and Country Gardens, Weston Lambert
• Art Lovers AAA Geneva, Atwater's, Chez Moi, Circa, Coffee Drop Shop, Donellen Designs, Fresh Market, Geneva Bank & Trust, Geneva Film Festival, Justin and Katlyn Eggars of Eggar Insurance Agency, Kernel's Gourmet Popcorn and More, Mercedes-Benz of St. Charles, Needle Things, Richard Lewis of State Farm Insurance, RiverPark Summer Series Artists, Shannon Whitt, Spice House, Steeple Walk, Stockholm's, Geneva Wine Cellars
• Event Entertainers and Hosts Mayor Kevin Burns (auctioneer), Janet's Stage Musicians Emily Chang (violinist), Marc Horning (violist), Samantha Kichka (violinist), Jan Schmuckal (painter), State Street Dance Studio's Cassie Longo and Alex Pasterak, Dennis and Silva Gramlich, Ray and Marikate Marchand.
The Geneva Cultural Arts Commission's annual "Eat Your Art Out!" gala fundraiser is an exclusive art inspired four-course dining experience and auction held at the Herrington Inn & Spa's historic Pump House. Sensory treats abound throughout the evening, from the first sip and bite to the last, as guests come together on one night to support the arts commission creating diverse cultural arts experiences for the community throughout the year.
Following an evening catered to the guests' every sense, inspirational art pieces are sent home with generous bidders, as the gala evening culminates in a lively auction hosted by Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns. Opportunities for additional art acquisitions abound, with handcrafted pottery, a live art performance piece and a highly curated fine silent auction table.
To learn more, visit www.genevarts.org, the arts commission Facebook page or call (630) 938-4530.