Events
Museum going back to nature for annual fundraiser on July 11
BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
A fundraiser for an art museum will go green to raise cash.
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art’s 31st annual Gala will be held at 6 p.m. July 11 on the campus of St. Francis University, Loretto.
This year’s gala will reflect the natural beauty of the western Pennsylvania landscape with a back-to-nature theme.
“Our green theme will provide a striking natural backdrop,” gala chairwoman Kit Benzel said.
“Every year, the gala proves to be a wonderfully fun evening, but it’s also an opportunity to make a difference in our communities by supporting a worthy cause.”
For the second year, Benzel worked with a committee that strives to provide something new and exciting for every gala.
“She’s done a remarkable job, exemplary,” said C. Gary Moyer, the museum’s executive director.
“She’s dedicated to the task and calls others to work tirelessly.”
The evening will begin with an opening reception inside the museum, where Donald M. Robinson’s exhibit, “In Harmony With Nature II,” will complement the evening’s theme.
Events for the rest of the gala will take place under tents in front of the museum.
“The St. Francis campus is complimentary to natural beauty,” Moyer said.
“We want to celebrate the abundant resources of western Pennsylvania. And Robinson’s photographs celebrate nature.”
Building on the natural theme, there will be a falconry exhibition by Earl Schriver, a veteran of sportsmen’s shows and nature programs.
Schriver will bring two peregrine falcons, a hybrid falcon and a red-tailed hawk.
Guests will have the opportunity to speak with Schriver, watch the exhibition and participate.
This year’s food selection will be organic, with four food stations featuring vegetarian, chicken, beef and pork dishes.
The silent auction, one of the biggest draws to the gala, will offer a selection of antiques, collectibles, artwork and vacation packages.
“In the past, we’ve had race horses, a Rolls Royce and a grand piano,” Moyer said.
Artwork will include an original rug-hooking tapestry by Mary Sheppard Burton, original paintings by Michael Madigan and Phillipe Mohlitz, four photographs by Robinson and three original Indonesian puppets.
Vacation packages will send guests to the Bahamas, Aruba and Bedford Springs Resort Spa as well as out to dinner and for a stay at a hotel.
For sports fans, there will be Pittsburgh Steelers tickets and memorabilia and Pittsburgh Pirates tickets.
In keeping with the green theme, there will be several furniture pieces recycled from wine cases and other recycled and reclaimed green items available for bidding.
Music will once again be provided by Sputzy, also known as Jimmy Sparacino.
“We had him last year, and he’s back by popular demand,” Moyer said.
Sputzy performed in the clubs and resorts of Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe before coming to Pittsburgh in 1980.
He has sung the national anthem before Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers and Pirates games and has opened for music legends such as The Four Tops, Chicago, Chuck Berry and Blood, Sweat and Tears.
While there are other fundraisers at the museum’s satellite facilities, Moyer said the gala is the biggest event of the year, drawing from 400 to 500 guests.
“We get a diverse attendance from Pittsburgh, Ligonier, Altoona, Johnstown and throughout Cambria County,” Moyer said.
“They come from all over southwest Pennsylvania.”
Proceeds from the gala allow the museum’s four facilities in Altoona, Johnstown, Ligonier Valley and Loretto to remain open to the public free of charge.
The gala also helps underwrite the museum’s exhibitions and arts-in-education and arts-for-healing programs.
Tickets, which are $175 a person, are available by calling the Loretto museum at 472-3920.
Annual benefit
What: 31st annual Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Gala.
When: 6 p.m. July 11.
Where: St. Francis University campus, Loretto.
Tickets: $175 per person.
Information: 472-3920.
- Events
-
-
Pieced work | Salix Stitchers will exhibit variety of quilts at Westmont arts center
A patchwork of talent levels will be on display at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County in Westmont as members of the Salix Stitchers exhibit a variety of quilts.
-
Distinguished Young Women of Pennsylvania coming to Richland High School in August
The first Distinguished Young Women of Pennsylvania program, formerly called the Junior Miss program, will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 7 at the Richland High School Performing Arts Center, One Academic Drive, Richland Township.
-
Serbians will celebrate their heritage with festival
Combine heavenly food, lively music, dancing and family fun and you have the recipe for a good time. Organizers of the Serbian Festival are using those ingredients to entice visitors to join them on Sunday to share in their heritage. The festivities run from noon to 8 p.m. as the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in conjunction with St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church host the event on the church grounds, St. Clair Road in Westmont Borough.
-
Gospel tunes highlight Laurel View benefit
Christian music fans in the Johnstown area can rejoice. Laurel View Village retirement community near Davidsville will present a gospel music concert and dinner buffet at 6 p.m. Aug 28.
-
Events | Classic musical
“Guys and Dolls” will be presented Thursday through Aug. 14 at Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. -
'Contemporary farce' | Uproariously funny 'Who? Maid? Who?' will make stage debut in Jennerstown
A fast-paced farce makes its debut at an area theater. “Who? Maid? Who?” will be onstage Tuesday through Aug. 8 at Mountain Playhouse, 7690 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown.
-
Eagerly anticipated celebration | Annual Ebensburg Homecoming will be held July 31
The annual Ebensburg Homecoming will be held July 31, with a variety of events and activities being conducted in and around the downtown area and at Lake Rowena.
-
Firefighters plan for hot time | Conemaugh will host annual convention
Conemaugh Independence Volunteer Fire Company will host the 89th annual Volunteer Firemen’s Association of Cambria County & Vicinity Convention. The get-together will be held Wednesday through July 31.
-
Cresson Lake Playhouse will stage classic musical
An area woman will tackle a classic musical for her directorial debut. “Guys and Dolls” will be presented July 29 through Aug. 14 at Cresson Lake Playhouse, 279 Shapiro Road, Loretto. Lauren Wahl of Somerset will direct the playhouse’s big musical of the season, set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City.
-
Ag showcases | Counties in region gearing up for annual fairs
Families looking for wholesome entertainment need to look no further than county fairs. These mid- and late-summer agriculture-based events give residents an opportunity to view farm equipment and animal displays, enjoy musical entertainment, rides, food, and even demolition derbies at reasonable prices.
- More Events Headlines
-
Pieced work | Salix Stitchers will exhibit variety of quilts at Westmont arts center
