The Bay School will host its annual art auction and gala to support the non-profit’s art outreach and educational programs. This year’s event is inspired by the NY Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual red-carpet fundraiser and will highlight the impact of the center’s mission “to bring creativity to people of all ages and abilities”.
This year’s event, “Mathews MET Art Auction & Gala,” will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, on the Bay School grounds beginning with a red-carpet walk where you can have your entrance captured in photography as a memento of the enchanting evening. Come and enjoy “Big City Magic” in the heart of downtown Mathews!
Attendees will enjoy a sparkling beverage in the Art Speaks Gallery while browsing the collection of local and regional artwork. Gala guests will proceed through a tour of the classroom and pottery studio facilities while enjoy hors d’oeuvres, meeting artists and learning about the mission and impact of the Bay School’s programs.
A magical evening will continue to unfold in the gala tent where Chef Brian Marshall of Gloucester will serve dinner including appetizers, seafood delicacies, and decadent desserts. Local watercolor artist Jan Finn-Duffy will be painting ‘plein air’ for the enjoyment of the guests. The event will include silent and live auctions, raffles, along with live music and dancing with Tommy Sax as the evening winds down.
This year’s auction provides an opportunity for bidding on many exquisite artist creations, international travel, local adventures and dining packages. There is a lovely, curated collection of coastal artwork offered including a pastel painting of the Tide Mill at Popular Grove by Lon Brauer, a “River Critters” 5 1/2 ft. Garden Pottery Stack created and donated by Mathews ceramicist Sue Henshaw, and the “York River Estuary” oil painting by Mathews artist Christine Corbin. With too many auction items to list, the offerings include handmade jewelry, themed & curated baskets, US & international travel packages, local dining and inn packages, pottery, fiber art and paintings that are sure to delight the senses. Many of the items can be previewed at the Bay School Community Art Center’s website.
The outreach programs, which are supported by proceeds from the gala, are at the heart of the mission of the Bay School. Currently, the school has 10 active outreach programs that serve a broad array of ages and abilities. On average, more than 240 individuals participate and benefit each year from these programs that provide inclusive art experiences to all.
Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorships or donating to the event may contact Pam Doss at pamdoss@bayschool-arts.com. Tickets are $150 each or $275 per couple. They may be purchased at the Bay School website or in person at the Art Speaks Gallery at 279 Main Street, Mathews VA.
