Local art lovers and charitable givers will be gathering Saturday at Dewey Beach’s Baycenter to enjoy an evening of dining, dancing and art — all to benefit the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation.
The 2006 LDAF Fall Fling Art Show on Oct. 21 will benefit LDAF’s general funding for programming and initiatives, including programs for children with autism, teacher training, scholarships and autism awareness activities.
Just under $30,000 was raised for LDAF in last year’s inaugural event, according to LDAF Programming and Event Coordinator Melissa Tice Martin. Nearly 200 people attended the event in 2005 — about the same expected this year, with a ticket cost of $150 per person, Martin said.
This year’s South Beach-inspired event will feature an evening of dining, with hors d’oeuvres, open bar, a sumptuous meal, plus opportunities to purchase raffle tickets for a Corvette and dancing to music by Midnight Hour, Martin noted, as well as lots of artwork and artists. The Baycenter will be decorated in Miamian hues of pink and black, accented by flamingos and palm trees, and art deco style.
The highlight of the evening will be the live Art Auction for Hope, in which original works of artists with ties to Southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore will be sold. The 2005 art auction was also a feature of that event, but, Martin said, “not nearly as big as this year,” with seven pieces to be auctioned in 2006.
Martin said the list of donating artists for 2006 includes Megan Landis, Charles Rowe, Nick Serratore, Michelle Byrne and Tim Bell. There is also what Martin called “a trio piece.”
“Three artists painted on one canvas,” she explained, noting the hands of Bell, Michele Green and Jack Richardson.
A giclée print has also been donated by Benedetto Arts of New York, N.Y. The Benedetto name may be somewhat unfamiliar to the general public, but music lovers will know the founding artist, Anthony Benedetto, better by his stage name: Tony Bennett.
The musician has become a well-known painter as well, and uses both talents to benefit charities.
According to the Benedetto Arts Web site, his original painting of the American flag was auctioned off by former President Bill Clinton during the recent Global Initiative Conference held in New York City. Acting as the auctioneer, Clinton confirmed the final bid at $150,000 — all of which went to the Bush-Clinton Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
A Benedetto watercolor still-life painting was also auctioned off in Los Angeles at United Nations “Adopt-A-Minefield” benefit gala hosted by Sir Paul McCartney and Heather McCartney. With Jay Leno as the auctioneer, the painting sold at auction for $65,000 with the full sale amount going to the U.N.’s efforts to reduce landmines around the globe.
Martin emphasized that all of the proceeds from Saturday’s Fall Fling will go to LDAF’s general fund, but, along with general program needs, she noted ongoing efforts to develop the group’s new art program and expand their cycling program for autistic children.
The art program is, of course, close to the hearts of many who will attend Saturday’s event. And it holds a unique connection this year as well, as the event will mark the unveiling of works submitted in an art contest for young artists with autism.
“We have WSFS bank sponsoring art contest for children of Sussex County Consortium,” Martin explained. Children from the Lewes-based school for autistic children, which serves families from around the county, were invited to submit artwork for the contest, and Martin gave an exclusive sneak peak of the winners to the Coastal Point early this week.
First place went to 16-year-old Timothy Morrison of Milton, for his painting “Old Milton Train Station.” Honorable mentions went to Cory O’Bier, 15, of Bridgeville for his painting “The Perfect Storm,” and to Damian Pulley, 3, of Lewes for “Boo Spectacular.”
Art lovers can get their own sneak peek of the LDAF art-themed event for an additional $25 upgrade on the evening. The 6 p.m. “Sneak Peak Art Preview” with a special “Meet and Greet Reception” offers guests the chance to talk with local artists, enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres, and purchase artworks before the crowd arrives, Martin said.
Participating artists for the 2006 Fall Fling Art Show include but are not limited to: Abraxas, Bell, Byrne, Andrew Criss, Green, Tara Funk Grim, Landis, Rowe and Serratore.
At 7 p.m., the doors will open to all those holding tickets for the charity benefit evening, when they’ll be invited inside to view a variety of art, examine the pieces up for auction, enjoy the open bar and hors d’oeuvres, purchase their raffle tickets and enjoy dinner with a musical background.
At 8 p.m., they’ll take to the floor of the Baycenter for dancing to music by Midnight Hour), and the Art Auction for Hope will begin.
Reservations for the Fall Fling Art Show were still available at Coastal Point press time, at $150 per person ($100 is tax deductible). Martin said anyone wishing to purchase tickets or join the Sneak Peak Art Preview for $25 more should call LDAF at (302) 644-3410.
Those attending Saturday will not only get to enjoy an evening full of good food, dancing and quality art but to go home knowing they have helped to support those in the area who are affected by a disorder that is now believed to affect 1 in 166 children.