Published: June 26, 2009 12:39 pm      

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.